TABLE 1.

Gaps in Knowledge Related to Nutrition and Neurodevelopment During Early to Middle Childhood

Problem or Question	Studies Needed
What is the impact of early nutritional deficiencies on neurodevelopment and brain function during early to middle childhood?	1. Identify sensitive periods in terms of timing of intervention.
	2. Determine how much plasticity there is in recovery from early nutritional deficiencies and whether interventions can be developed for implementation after a sensitive period has closed.
Individual differences in timing of nutritional intervention and recovery from early deprivation.	Identify genes that may play a role in individual differences; develop new intervention strategies.
Are there lasting effects of nutritional interventions implemented during the preconception, prenatal, infancy, and preschool periods on functioning during early to middle childhood?	1. Longitudinal follow-up through middle childhood of interventions delivered at earlier time periods.
	2. Measure nutritional status, brain structure and function, and academic performance.
Do the effects of early nutritional interventions vary by poverty or inflammation?	Examine how poverty and inflammation modify the above relationships.
Are preschool-/school-based integrated interventions that include nutrition and early child development (eg, self-regulation) feasible and effective?	Conduct a trial of integrated interventions in preschool/school settings and measure impact on nutritional status, executive function, and academic performance.
Can school feeding programs be implemented that are effective in promoting school performance while not increasing stigma?	Evaluate strategies to introduce school feeding programs that are effective and examine perceptions of stigma.