Nutrition and the developing brain: the road to optimizing early neurodevelopment: a systematic review

Pediatr Res. 2020 Jan;87(2):194-201. doi: 10.1038/s41390-019-0508-3. Epub 2019 Jul 26.

Abstract

Background: Neonatal intensive care practices have resulted in marked improvements in the survival of premature infants; however, they remain at significant risk for adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes. The impact of current nutritional practices on brain development following early extra-uterine exposure in premature infants is not well known.

Methods: We performed a systematic review to investigate nutritional effects on postnatal brain development in healthy term and prematurely born infants utilizing advanced magnetic resonance imaging tools.

Results: Systematic screen yielded 595 studies for appraisal. Of these, 22 total studies were selected for inclusion in the review, with findings summarized in a qualitative, descriptive fashion.

Conclusion: Fat and energy intake are associated with improved brain volume and development in premature infants. While breast milk intake and long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid supplementation has been proven beneficial in term infants, the impact in preterm infants is less well understood.

Publication types

  • Systematic Review

MeSH terms

  • Age Factors
  • Bottle Feeding
  • Brain / diagnostic imaging
  • Brain / growth & development*
  • Breast Feeding
  • Child Development*
  • Gestational Age
  • Humans
  • Infant Formula
  • Infant Nutritional Physiological Phenomena*
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Infant, Premature / growth & development*
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Neurogenesis*
  • Nutritional Status*
  • Premature Birth / diagnostic imaging
  • Premature Birth / physiopathology*
  • Premature Birth / therapy