Maternal nutrition and its effects on fetal neurodevelopment

• Published in: Nutrition (Burbank, Los Angeles County, Calif.) Vol. 125; p. 112483
• Main Authors: Reis, Álvaro Eustáquio de Matos, Teixeira, Ingrid Silva, Maia, Juliana Marino, Luciano, Lucas Augusto Almeida, Brandião, Lucas Marques, Silva, Maria Luíza Santos, Branco, Luiz G.S., Soriano, Renato Nery
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Elsevier Inc 01.09.2024; Elsevier Limited
• Subjects: Autism; Brain research; Child development; Children; Children & youth; Cognition & reasoning; Cognitive ability; Cognitive development; Docosahexaenoic acid; Eicosapentaenoic acid; Essential nutrients; Fatty acids; Fetal alcohol syndrome; Fetuses; Folic acid; Health promotion; Iodine; Iron; Literature reviews; Maternal supplementation; Medical personnel; Memory; Neural tube defects; Neurodevelopment; Neurodevelopmental outcomes; Nutrients; Nutrition; Nutrition research; Pediatrics; Pregnancy; Premature birth; Vitamin B; Pregnancy; Nutrients; Maternal supplementation; Neurodevelopmental outcomes
• ISSN: 0899-9007; 1873-1244; 1873-1244
• DOI: 10.1016/j.nut.2024.112483

•Impact of maternal nutrition on neurodevelopment is comprehensively examined.•Maternal nutrition affects child's cognitive, motor, and socio-emotional development.•Some areas require further investigation such as the risks of alcohol consumption.•This article offers valuable insights for health professionals and researchers. Herein, we present a thorough examination of the impact of maternal nutrition on fetal and infant neurodevelopment, focusing on specific nutrients and their critical roles in perinatal and pediatric health. Through a comprehensive narrative review of the literature, this study highlights the importance of a balanced maternal diet rich in nutrients like eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), folic acid, iron, and iodine in shaping children's neurological functions. Key findings underscore the influence of maternal nutrition during pregnancy and the peri-gestational period on children's cognitive, motor, speech, and socio-emotional development. Deficiencies in essential nutrients, such as DHA, are linked to adverse long-lasting outcomes such as premature birth and intrauterine growth restriction, where a suitable intake of iron and folic acid is vital to prevent neural tube defects and promote healthy brain development. We highlight areas requiring further investigation, particularly regarding iodine's impact and the risks associated with alcohol consumption during pregnancy. In conclusion, this research sheds light on our current understanding of maternal nutrition and child neurodevelopment, offering valuable insights for health professionals and researchers.