Researchers found that iodine deficiency can irreversibly disturb the cyto-architecture of the cerebral cortex during fetal development. This can cause abnormal neuron migratory patterns which are associated with cognitive impairment in children. Iron deficiency anemia during infancy has been shown to be associated with alterations in brain connectivity.

Iodine Deficiency in Infants

Researchers studies on mice found:
- A diet either enriched in omega-3 fatty acids or with decreased omega-6 fatty acid levels, positively impacted the incorporation of omega-3 fatty acids in neuronal membranes  
- A low omega-6 diet completely abolishes early life stress induced cognitive impairments
-   When exposed to a diet enriched with the omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, eicosapentaenoic acid, docosahexaenoic acid, and docosapentaenoic acid and vitamin A following psychological stress, cognitive behaviors and plasticity improved in the brain of adolescent rats

Effect of Fatty Acids on Neurodevelopment

- Protein
- Iron
- Choline 
- Folate
- Iodine
- Vitamins A, D, B6, and B12 
- Long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids

Saint Louis University

A personalization of nutrition for mental health should take early life development into account. Any effects of nutritional intervention during the period of early brain growth (from conception until 2 years of age) may have a larger impact on later health than do later interventions.

Nutrition's Role in Early Cognition

Adan, R. A., van der Beek, E. M., Buitelaar, J. K., Cryan, J. F., Hebebrand, J., Higgs, S., ... & Dickson, S. L. (2019). Nutritional psychiatry: Towards improving mental health by what you eat. European Neuropsychopharmacology, 29(12), 1321-1332.

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