Table 1.
Nutrients with Particularly Large Effects on Early Brain Development and Subsequent Adult Function.
| Nutrient | Main Brain Process(es) Affected | Evidence for Critical Period(s) for Neuro-development | Early Deficiency Results in Adult Dysfunction | Epigenetic Mechanism of Long-term Effects |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Protein | Structure Growth Factors Neuro-transmitters |
Yes | Yes | Suspected |
| LC-PUFA | Membrane integrity Signaling |
Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Glucose | Energetics | Yes | Yes | No |
| Iron | Energetics Myelination Monoamine Neuro-transmission |
Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Zinc | Growth Factors Synaptic Efficacy |
Yes | Yes | No |
| Copper | Energetics Myelination Neurotransmission |
Yes | Yes | No |
| Iodine | Thyroid-dependent Myelination, Synaptogenesis, & Energy Metabolism |
Yes | Yes | No |
| Vitamin B12 | Neuronal structure Myelination |
Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Folate | Neural Tube Closure Neuronal Structure |
Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Choline | Neurotransmitters Myelination |
Yes | Yes | Yes |