Proper nutrition is essential for brain development from prenatal stages through adulthood. Poor nutrition can lead to lowered immune systems, improper brain development, and health issues. Nutrition directly impacts gene expression and the brain's ability to reach its full potential. Adequate intake of nutrients like choline, folic acid, iron and zinc is especially important for the developing brain.

1. By Arianna Hyder

2. Nutrition is Important to the Developing Mind Nutrition is essential to proper brain development and functioning. Proper nutrition is vital during every stage in life, including prenatal, infancy, childhood, and adulthood. Poor nutrition can lead to lowered immune systems, improper development of the brain, eating disorders, inadequate growth, and even death.

3. Nutritional Differences in Children Well Nourished Malnourished Shiny hair Bright and clear eyes Firm teeth and gums Clear complexion Skin is smooth and firm Pink firm nails Regular heart beat and blood pressure Proper muscle tone, posture, and bone development Coordinated movement Hair is dull, brittle, or falling out Pale or red eyes Missing teeth or bleeding gums Scaly, flaky, or cracked skin Brittle or ridged nails Abnormal heart beat and blood pressure Wasted muscle tone, poor posture, and improper bone development Loss of balance and uncoordinated Whitney, pg. 563

4. Studies have proven that you “are what you eat.” Nutrition can directly modify gene structure and mediate the expression of genetic factors by providing the specific molecules that enable genes to exert their potential or targeted effects on brain growth and development (Rosales, par. 3). Therefore, we should be especially aware of what we are nourishing our bodies with. Special functions of brain are reflected in a higher need for certain nutrients such as choline, folic acid, iron, zinc and special fats…moreover, nutrition can have direct effects on gene expression in the brain (Rosales, par. 5). The brain will not grow and function to its full capabilities without adequate nutrition.

5. Adequate Nutrition is Essential for Everyone Prenatal Mother should take prenatal vitamins that include all the essential nutrients the fetus needs to grow properly Consume well balanced meals Infancy Breastfeeding is best as it contains nutrients that promote growth and immunity Formula feeding is still a second choice as it provides the nutrients needed but not boosted immunity Childhood and Adulthood The American Pediatrics Association recommends following the Food Pyramid through childhood and into Adulthood www.healthychild.org and www.mypyramid.gov

6. Daily Food Pyramid Chart Grain: eat at least 3oz. of whole wheat cereals, breads, crackers, rice, or pasta for a total of 6oz Vegetables: eat more dark green and orange veggies, and beans for a total of 2 1/2 cups Fruits: eat a variety from fresh, frozen, canned, or dried for a total of 2 cups Milk: low/fat free milk, yogurt, cheese, and other milk products for a total of 3 cups Meat and Beans: low fat/lean, bake, broil, or grilled from fish, poultry, and other meats for a total of 5 ½ oz www.mypyramid.gov

7. Poor nutrition is an issue in all countries. People all over the world are affected by poor nutrition and malnourishment. When hunger is chronic, children become malnourished and suffer growth retardation (Whitney, pg. 562). Poverty seems to be the major contributing factor to poor nutrition. Lack of education about food, parents’ approaches toward eating, and food insecurity are all everyday factors for low income families. Further, food insecurity in the home may affect the child’s functioning in educational institutions, thereby perpetuating the poverty cycle (Shor, par. 10). Picture and graph from www.worldhunger.org

8. Shor, Ron; Friedman, Adina. Integration of nutrition-related components by early childhood education professionals into their individual work with children at risk . (2009):477-486 Print. This research article was about how lack of proper nutrition is affecting children and how the school workers can spot malnutrition and try to take corrective measures for the affected child. It also discussed how complicated an issue nutrition is, because so many factors play into brain development besides nutrition. Rosales, Francisco; Reznick, Steven; Zeisel, Steven. Understanding the role of nutrition in the brain and behavioral development of toddlers and preschool children: identifying and addressing methodological barriers. (2009): 190-200. Print. This research article was about how nutrition affects the brain development through each stage of life. It explained how important social economic status is and how that plays into proper nutrition. Whitney, Ellie; Rolfes, Sharon. Understanding Nutrition . Thomson Higher Education, 2008. Print. This book is all about nutrition and I read the chapter pertaining to infancy, childhood, and adolescence. It explained in detail all how properly feed children and diseases and problems that can arise from lack of proper nutrition. http://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/baby/feeding-nutrition/pages/Probiotics-A-New-Infant-Formula-Feature.aspx This web article explained the pros and cons of formula feeding. http://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/baby/breastfeeding/pages/Settling-In-The-First-Few-Weeks-of-Breastfeeding.aspx This web article explained the pros and cons of breastfeeding. http://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/preschool/nutrition-fitness/pages/A-Vitamin-a-Day.aspx This web article explained the importance of properly feeding a preschooler http://www.mypyramid.gov/downloads/MiniPoster.pdf This was the site I got the food pyramid chart and information from. http://www.worldhunger.org/articles/Learn/world%20hunger%20facts%202002.htm This is the site I found the picture, chart, and other malnutrition information from.

9. What are some of the nutrients need by the brain? Choline, folic acid, iron, zinc and special fats