Diet in preterm babies affect on later intelligence
In recent years articles about genetic differences in IQ and about IQ “fixity” have appeared frequently in the popular news media as well as in the scientific journals. The related issue, of when variations in intelligence can be reliably measured, has been all but ignored in the contemporary rush to develop programs for the early “intellectual stimulation” of infants.
Research shows that your overall intelligence is mostly developed during your childhood years. Therefore ensuring that children receive the correct nutrition can make a big difference to their future academic performance and success in life. The brain is composed of 60% fat – this is the main component of the cell membranes of the brain neurons and also of the protective myelin sheath that covers them. The type and proportion of fats or fatty acides within the membranes play a crucial role – for example, they determine how effectively the brain neurons can communicate. Scientists have now shown that many mental disorders, such as Alzheimer’s Disease, Parkinson’s Disease, dementia, depression and schizophrenia are linked with deficiencies in certain essential fatty acids, such as docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Thus, if a child’s diet is deficient in the right fats, his brain will not grow and develop optimally while if an adult’s diet is deficient, his brain will not function optimally.
In a randomised trial of early nutrition in preterm infants those fed standard rather than nutrient enriched preterm formula had reduced verbal IQ scores at 7 1/2 to 8 years, at least in boys
Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) – this is the most abundant fat in the brain and therefore, probably one of the most important for brain health and function. Research on animals fed a diet deficient in DHA found that they displayed seriously-impaired learning skills. DHA plays a key role in the formation of synapses, which are the nerve impulses which travel between brain cells, carrying vital information. It is also an important factor in the formation of myelin, the protective sheath around the neurons, as well as being required in energy production to generate the nerve impulses. One of the best sources for DHA is breast milk, providing that the mother’s diet is rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Studies confirm that breast-fed babies have an IQ advantage over babies fed on formula lacking DHA. For weaned children and adults, cold-water, oily fish like salmon, sardines and trout are a good source of DHA. It is also possible to get omega-3 fortified eggs which provide the necessary raw essential acids for the body to make DHA. Other sources of DHA are like green leafy vegetables, soybeans, walnuts, flaxseed and canola oil.
Avoidance of undernutrition in sick preterm infants seems important in optimising later neurodevelopmental outcomes
Other important nutrients:
In exploratory analyses on children of both sexes verbal IQ below 85 and cerebral palsy were more prevalent in the standard formula group
Dimetheyaminoethanol (DMAE) – found in small amounts in the brain and playing an important role in the levels of the neurotransmitter, acetylcholine, this nutrient has been shown to enhance learning, attention span, clarity of thinking and mental alertness, leading to an elevation in intelligence. People have also reported an improvement in mood, memory and energy levels. DMAE is found naturally in oily fish such as sardines but can also be found as a dietary supplement in pharmacies.
In a study from Connecticut, it was found that babies of mothers with higher DHA levels showed significantly more quiet sleep and less active sleep, and less sleep-wake transition than those of mothers with lower DHA levels. In other words, they slept better. This was interpreted as indicating greater central nervous system maturity in the higher DHA group. That is very interesting news for all pregnant and nursing mothers, since the baby’s sleeping pattern has such an effect on everybody in the family.
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