Nutrition and Cognition – What do we know in term infant?

Opening this presentation about nutrition and cognition in term infants, Magnus Domellöf explains the timeline of brain development, emphasizing the importance of the first two years of life.  There is a considerable amount of data showing how important nutrition is to nourish the brain as it grows – in particular protein, fatty acids and micronutrients.  He notes the complex causal pathway of brain development, with nutrition affecting physical growth and physical activity.  The environment in which the infant is living, the caregiving style to which it is exposed and the opportunities for learning all contribute to brain development, alongside good nutrition.