Development Tag

The air in children's sleeping areas harbors high chemical pollutant levels, potentially increasing young children's exposure to toxic compounds. pubs.acs.org

Sleep Development Pollution

The air around a child’s bed may carry more chemical pollutants than the bedroom itself. A recent study suggests sleeping spaces are a key source of toxic exposure for young children.

Researchers collected air samples from the sleeping areas and bedrooms of 25 children between 6 months and 4 years old living in Canada. They also tested the children’s mattresses for chemical emissions, looking for three types of compounds: phthalates (used to soften plastics), flame retardants, and UV filters (used in dyes and textiles). These chemicals belong to a group called semivolatile organic compounds, or SVOCs, which can escape from products and linger in air, dust, and on surfaces.

The researchers detected nearly 30 different chemicals in each of the three sampling locations—bedroom air, sleeping area air, and mattresses. The air in the sleeping area had higher chemical levels than the surrounding bedroom, confirming that bedding and other nearby items were likely contributing to children’s exposure. In many cases, the mattresses themselves released higher amounts of certain phthalates and flame retardants, while bedding appeared to be a major source of flame retardants.

These findings suggest that young children face increased chemical exposure while they sleep, a substantial concern given how much time they spend in their sleeping environments. The investigators proposed that parents reduce exposure by regularly washing bedding and sleepwear, as fabrics tend to trap airborne chemicals. Furthermore, some textiles can also release chemicals, so having fewer items in the bed is beneficial.

Infants born to mothers on strict vegetarian diets are 2.7 times more likely to be small for gestational age, weighing an average of 240 grams less at birth. www.sciencedirect.com

Diet Pregnancy Development Vegetarian

Strict vegetarian diets are gaining popularity, but concerns remain about their safety during pregnancy. A recent study found that pregnant women following strict vegetarian diets are 2.7 times more likely to have a small-for-gestational-age infant, with their newborns weighing an average of 240 grams (about half a pound) less at birth.

Researchers conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of eight studies involving more than 72,000 participants. They examined key pregnancy outcomes, including birth weight, the risk of small-for-gestational-age infants, gestational diabetes, hypertensive disorders, and gestational weight gain.

They found that pregnant women adhering to strict vegetarian diets were 2.7 times more likely to have a small-for-gestational-age infant compared to those consuming animal products. Their infants also weighed, on average, 240 grams (approximately half a pound) less at birth. While strict vegetarian diets were linked to lower gestational weight gain, they did not affect the risk of gestational diabetes or hypertensive disorders.

These findings suggest that without careful planning, strict vegetarian diets during pregnancy increase the risk of inadequate fetal growth. Ensuring sufficient intake of essential nutrients—such as vitamin B12, iron, omega-3 fatty acids, and iodine—through supplementation or fortified foods could help reduce this risk. Learn more about how to have a healthy pregnancy in Aliquot #100: Optimizing for a Healthy Pregnancy & Early Childhood.

High-protein breakfasts in teens may mitigate future heart disease risk by increasing gene expression associated with blood vessel growth and staving off inflammation. www.sciencedirect.com

Diet Development Cardiovascular

Breakfast is often touted as the most important meal of the day. But for teenagers, the composition of that breakfast may be more critical than previously thought. A recent study found that eating a high-protein breakfast increases gene expression associated with cardiovascular health, potentially protecting teens against heart disease later in life.

The study included 30 teens who routinely skipped breakfast. For six months, 10 of the teens ate a normal-protein breakfast (10 grams of protein) daily, 10 ate a high-protein breakfast (30 grams of protein), and 10 continued skipping breakfast. The normal-protein and high-protein breakfasts both provided 350 calories. Researchers measured the teens' levels of microRNAs (small, non-coding RNA molecules that regulate gene expression) associated with higher cardiovascular disease risk.

They found no difference in miRNA levels among the three groups. However, they observed a significant pattern over time for one microRNA—miR-126-3p—which increased more in those eating high-protein breakfasts than those who skipped breakfast. miR-126-3p regulates angiogenesis (the formation of new blood vessels) and helps maintain blood vessel integrity. It also reduces inflammation—a driver of cardiovascular disease.

This small study suggests that eating a high-protein breakfast can have lasting effects on teens who regularly skip breakfast, potentially reducing their risk of cardiovascular disease later in life. Skipping breakfast coupled with late-night eating can have harmful effects on metabolic health, too. Learn more in this clip featuring Dr. Ruth Patterson.

Micronutrient supplement improves emotional regulation in children—a promising non-stimulant alternative to conventional psychological treatments. journals.plos.org

Behavior Micronutrients Development

Children who struggle to regulate their emotions often experience difficulties with irritability, frustration, and intense anger. This lack of control can lead to challenges in relationships, academic performance, and overall mental health. A recent study found that micronutrient supplements absorbed in the mouth may offer a safe and effective way to improve emotion regulation in children.

Researchers conducted a three-phase study involving 48 children with moderate to severe irritability. They assigned the children to two groups: one that began taking a micronutrient powder immediately and one that waited four weeks. The powder provided 36 vitamins, minerals, and amino acids, came in various flavors, and was specifically formulated for oral absorption. Over the next five months, both groups alternated between taking the supplements and taking breaks, concluding with three months of continuous supplementation. The researchers measured changes in the children’s emotional and behavioral symptoms.

Children in the immediate treatment group experienced considerable reductions in irritability, with 67% categorized as “much” or “very much” better versus only 8% in the waitlist group. These benefits extended to symptoms of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and oppositional defiant disorder. Notably, improvements in mood and behavior diminished when children stopped taking the supplements but returned upon resuming treatment. Side effects were rare, with mild headaches and sweating reported slightly more often in the waitlist group.

These findings suggest that supplemental micronutrients absorbed through the mouth may be a promising option for managing emotional dysregulation in children. By offering a safe and non-stimulant alternative, this approach could help address the needs of children who do not respond well to conventional ADHD drugs. Listen as Dr. Andrew Huberman describes how behavioral tools and supplements may replace ADHD medications.

Adolescent attention deficits are linked to higher cannabis use in young adulthood due to weaker connectivity in attention-related brain networks. elifesciences.org

Brain Drug Development

Cannabis use during adolescence has profound effects on critical cognitive functions, particularly sustained attention—the ability to focus on a task over time. A recent study found that problems with sustained attention in early adolescence may predict increased cannabis use later in life.

The study involved more than 1,000 participants, starting at age 14 and continuing until age 23. Researchers measured the participants' attention performance and brain connectivity throughout the study. They also monitored their substance use over time to uncover long-term patterns.

They found that poor sustained attention at age 14, in conjunction with weaker connectivity in attention-related brain networks, predicted higher cannabis use in young adulthood. Differences in these brain networks were stable over time, and the findings were consistent when tested in an external group of participants.

These findings suggest that sustained attention and its underlying brain networks serve as reliable early markers of susceptibility to cannabis use. Cannabis use may disrupt the delicate balance of brain chemicals like dopamine, a neurotransmitter critical for attention and motivation. Learn how to improve attention by leveraging the effects of dopamine in this episode featuring Dr. Andrew Huberman.

Early cannabis exposure disrupts brain development, reducing dendritic branching and neural spine complexity in areas critical for learning and emotional regulation. www.jneurosci.org

Brain Memory Drug Cannabinoid Development

Cannabis use is prevalent among teens, whose brains are undergoing massive developmental changes. Evidence suggests that THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), the primary psychoactive ingredient in cannabis, has profound effects on the brain, impairing neurodevelopment. A recent study in mice found that adolescent cannabis use influences gene expression and neural connections, potentially altering the brain’s structure.

Researchers exposed adolescent male mice to THC and then analyzed changes in gene expression and brain cell structure within the cerebral cortex—a brain region responsible for memory, thinking, learning, reasoning, problem-solving, emotions, consciousness, and sensory functions. They also scanned the brains of more than 450 adolescent human males to compare the cerebral cortex thickness of those who tried cannabis before age 16 to those who did not.

They found that adolescent mice exposed to THC exhibited less dendritic branching and fewer neural spines, indicating a loss of complexity in brain cells. Similarly, human teens who used cannabis had thinner cortex regions. Further analysis linked these structural changes to genes involved in brain development, including processes like learning and memory.

These findings suggest that early cannabis exposure interferes with the normal development of brain structure, especially in areas critical for learning and emotional regulation. This interference likely occurs through effects on specific genes and brain cells responsible for building neural connections during adolescence.

Teens aren’t the only ones at risk for the harmful developmental effects of THC exposure—the compound can pass into breast milk, influencing an infant’s neurodevelopment. Learn more in this clip featuring Dr. Rhonda Patrick.

Higher folate levels during pregnancy may protect against lead's neurotoxic effects, potentially reducing risk of autism-like behaviors in children. ehp.niehs.nih.gov

Brain Pregnancy Micronutrients Genetics Development Folate

Lead exposure during pregnancy can harm a child’s developing brain, increasing the risk of autism-related behaviors. Some evidence suggests that folate, a B vitamin, might help protect against lead’s neurotoxic effects. A recent study found that higher folate levels during pregnancy may help reduce the risk of autism-like behaviors in children exposed to lead before birth.

Researchers analyzed data from a large mother-infant cohort study that tracked participants from pregnancy through early childhood. They measured blood lead levels and plasma folate concentrations during the women’s first and third trimesters. They assessed the children for autism-related behaviors when they were three to four years old. They also examined whether folic acid supplementation and MTHFR, a maternal genetic variant influencing folate metabolism, affected these associations.

They found that third-trimester blood lead levels were associated with more autism-like behaviors in children whose mothers had low third-trimester folate levels. They did not observe this association among mothers with higher folate levels. Additionally, folic acid supplementation appeared to reduce the harmful effects of lead exposure. The MTHFR genetic variant influenced the findings, but the effects were not statistically significant.

These findings suggest adequate folate levels during pregnancy may help protect against the neurodevelopmental harm linked to prenatal lead exposure.

Folate is the natural form of vitamin B9 found in foods, while folic acid is the synthetic form used in supplements and fortified foods. Folic acid has higher bioavailability, meaning the body more readily absorbs it than naturally occurring folate. Learn more about folate in this clip featuring Dr. Bruce Ames.

Regular exercise during pregnancy may cut the risk of asthma in children by half by improving prenatal lung development. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Exercise Pregnancy Development Asthma

Asthma affects millions of children, and finding ways to prevent it before birth could be a game-changer. Some evidence suggests that physical activity during pregnancy promotes fetal lung development, potentially reducing children’s asthma risk. A recent study found that the children of mothers who engaged in regular physical activity during pregnancy were nearly half as likely to develop asthma.

Researchers analyzed data from 963 mother-child pairs participating in the Kuopio Birth Cohort study. They gathered information on maternal physical activity during pregnancy, potential influencing factors, and asthma diagnoses in the children when they were between the ages of 5 and 7 years.

They found that the children of mothers who engaged in physical activity three or more times per week during pregnancy were 46% less likely to develop asthma. This relationship held steady even after adjusting for factors like the length of pregnancy, delivery method, maternal health conditions, and family environment.

These findings suggest that regular physical activity during pregnancy could effectively reduce asthma risk in children. Experts recommend that pregnant women aim for about 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise every week. Learn about other healthy lifestyle practices for pregnancy in Aliquot #100: Optimizing for a Healthy Pregnancy and Early Childhood.

Microplastic particles inhaled by pregnant rats can accumulate in the tissues of their offspring, revealing a potential pathway for generational plastic contamination. www.sciencedirect.com

Pregnancy Development Pollution

Airborne microplastic particles may be doing more than just floating in the air—they could be making their way into future generations. A recent study found that micro- and nanoplastic particles can accumulate in the tissues of offspring after mothers inhale them during pregnancy.

Researchers assigned pregnant rats to one of two groups. They exposed one group to airborne polyamide-12 micro- and nanoplastics for about four hours on ten days during pregnancy—roughly equivalent to 120 minutes per day during a human pregnancy—while the other group received no exposure and served as a control group. Polyamide-12 is used in clothing, other textiles, kitchen items, carpets, and automotive products. After the pups were born, the researchers collected tissue samples from the two-week-old pups' lungs, liver, kidneys, heart, and brain to see if the particles persisted.

They found that the micro- and nanoplastic particles were present in the tissues of all the pups whose mothers had inhaled them but found no particles in the control group. These findings confirm that the particles can migrate from the respiratory system, pass through the placenta, and remain in the tissues of the young even after birth.

These findings suggest that exposure to micro- and nanoplastics during pregnancy can promote their accumulation in offspring, raising concerns about their long-term effects on health. Microplastic particles are smaller than 5 millimeters, while nanoplastics are even tinier—less than 1 micrometer in size. These particles often form when larger plastic items break down due to physical wear, heat, or exposure to sunlight. Micro- and nanoplastic particles are ubiquitous environmental pollutants found in air, water, soil, and food. Learn more about microplastics in our overview article.

Children with earlier bedtimes show up to 40% more diversity in their gut microbiota, potentially indicating better overall health than late sleepers. www.tandfonline.com

Microbiome Sleep Microbes Development

Early bedtimes may do more than help children wake up refreshed—they might also shape the balance of bacteria in their guts. A recent study found that children who go to bed early have distinct differences in their gut microbial populations compared to those who stay up later, potentially influencing their metabolism and overall health.

Researchers collected fecal samples from 88 healthy children between the ages of 2 and 14 and used genetic sequencing to analyze the composition of their gut microbial populations. They compared the diversity of early sleepers' gut bacteria to that of late sleepers, looking for patterns that might relate to sleep timing.

They found that children with earlier bedtimes had more diverse gut microbial populations, a marker of healthier gut function. Both beta and alpha diversity measures (indicators of the variety and richness of bacteria species) were as much as 40% higher in early sleepers.

These findings suggest that sleep timing may play a role in shaping gut health. Considering the links between gut health and metabolism, they offer new insights into addressing sleep-related metabolic disorders in children. Learn about the importance of establishing a healthy gut microbiota in early life in this clip featuring Dr. Eran Elinav.

Vitamin D shapes neurodevelopment, influencing the development of dopamine-producing neurons and, ultimately, the risk of schizophrenia. onlinelibrary.wiley.com

Vitamin D Brain Pregnancy Micronutrients Mental Health Development Schizophrenia Dopamine

Vitamin D plays a crucial role in the early development of dopamine-producing neurons, shedding light on the potential neurodevelopmental origins of schizophrenia. Abnormalities in dopamine signaling are at the heart of this complex mental health disorder, and a recent study suggests that vitamin D deficiency during pregnancy influences these pathways, increasing the risk of schizophrenia in offspring.

Researchers examined nerve growth, synapse formation, and dopamine release in various dopamine-producing cells exposed to vitamin D over time. They focused on SH-SY5Y cells—which can mature into dopaminergic (dopamine-releasing) neurons—and other brain cells.

They found that vitamin D increased neuron outgrowth and branching in dopaminergic cells, enhancing the production and release of dopamine. It also altered the expression and distribution of critical presynaptic proteins involved in dopamine release, further supporting its role in dopaminergic development.

These findings suggest vitamin D is crucial for developing and maturing dopamine-producing neurons. They provide new insights into how maternal vitamin D levels might influence the risk of schizophrenia in offspring by affecting early dopamine signaling pathways. Evidence suggests that vitamin D synergizes with omega-3 fatty acids to support neurodevelopment. Learn more about this relationship in this peer-reviewed article coauthored by Dr. Rhonda Patrick.

Polystyrene nanoplastic exposure alters breast milk proteins, potentially impairing neurodevelopment in breastfed infants. www.utep.edu

Nutrition Development Vitamin A Breast Milk

Beta-lactoglobulin is a protein in breast milk. It binds to retinol, a form of vitamin A that plays a crucial role in neurodevelopment, facilitating its transport. A recent study found that nanoplastic exposure induces structural changes in beta-lactoglobulin, impairing retinol binding and transport.

Researchers conducted a multi-part study to investigate the effect of polystyrene nanoparticles on beta-lactoglobulin. First, they measured changes in the protein’s structure and its ability to bind retinol. Then, they examined polystyrene’s effects on lysozyme, an antibacterial protein found in breast milk. Finally, they assessed the effects of polystyrene exposure in worms.

They found that polystyrene nanoparticles induced dose-dependent structural changes in beta-lactoglobulin, impairing its ability to bind to retinol. They identified similar structural abnormalities in lysozyme, driving the formation of amyloid fibrils (abnormal protein clumps). In worms, polystyrene impaired movement, similar to the effects of the neurotoxin paraquat.

These findings suggest that polystyrene nanoparticles alter breast milk protein structures and functions, potentially driving nutritional deficiencies and neurological damage.

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Coming soon: a comprehensive overview article on microplastics.

Just two hours of daily screen time lowers psychological well-being and increases negative behaviors in preschool children. www.google.de

Technology Behavior Mental Health Development

Technology enriches our lives, enhancing communication, improving healthcare, and providing access to vast amounts of information. However, the amount of time we spend on the devices that deliver that technology may be harmful, especially for young children. A recent study found that two hours or more of daily screen time among preschoolers lowers psychological well-being.

Researchers analyzed data from the 2018-2021 National Survey of Children’s Health, focusing on children aged six months to five years. Primary caregivers reported the children’s daily screen time and provided information about their flourishing and externalizing behaviors – indicators of psychological health.

They found that over the four-year study period, 50.9 percent of the children had high screen time, defined as one or more hour daily for children aged six months to one year and two or more hours daily for children aged two to five years. The percentage of children with high screen time increased to 55.3 percent during the pandemic in 2020 and was even higher among children living in poverty (60.9 percent). More than two hours of daily screen time was linked to less flourishing and more externalizing behaviors for children aged three to five years.

Flourishing refers to the presence of positive emotions, relationships, and adaptive functioning. It plays a crucial role in reducing the risk of antisocial behaviors later in life. Externalizing behaviors, such as hyperactivity and aggression, reflect maladjustment to the external environment. They can hinder learning and relationships and may lead to juvenile delinquency and adult violence.

These findings suggest that excessive screen time may harm psychological well-being in preschool-aged children. Parents and caregivers should be mindful of screen time limits to promote better mental health outcomes for young children. Learn more about the effects of screen time on children and teens in this short video featuring Dr. Rhonda Patrick.

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THC from a single use of cannabis accumulates in breast milk for up to 12 hours in breastfeeding women. news.wsu.edu

Cannabinoid Development Breast Milk

Breastfeeding is the biologically superior way to feed an infant. However, harmful substances in the mother’s blood can transfer to and accumulate in her breast milk. A recent study found that tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the primary psychoactive ingredient in cannabis, accumulates in breast milk after a single use, persisting for several hours.

The study included 20 healthy young women who were breastfeeding their infants and used cannabis at least once weekly. Participants collected samples of their breast milk after abstaining from cannabis use for at least 12 hours and at several intervals over an eight- to 12-hour period after use.

Researchers found that participants' breast milk contained THC even after 12 hours of abstention. THC concentrations peaked about two hours after cannabis use; however, in some cases, concentrations peaked as early as half an hour after use. Concentrations were higher with multiple uses and remained elevated throughout the 12-hour study period. On average, infants received approximately 16.2 micrograms per kilogram of body weight of THC over 12 hours.

These findings suggest that THC accumulates in breast milk after a single use of cannabis. The effects of THC on the developing infant brain are unclear. However, research on rodents has identified lasting, mild effects on memory and learning following a single, extremely low dose of THC equivalent to 0.2 micrograms per kilogram in humans – far less than the average dose the infants in this study received. Other harmful compounds, including nicotine, caffeine, and heavy metals, can pass into breast milk, too. Learn more about breast milk and breastfeeding in our overview article.

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Young people with ADHD face heightened loneliness and related mental health challenges, study reveals. journals.sagepub.com

Mental Health ADHD Anxiety Development

Loneliness is a profound emotional and psychological state that can have far-reaching effects on mental health, especially among young people, for whom increases in depression, anxiety, self-harm, and suicidal ideation often accompany their loneliness. A recent systematic review and meta-analysis found that loneliness is more intense among young people with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Researchers analyzed the findings of 23 studies to determine how loneliness levels differed between young people (under age 25) with or without ADHD. Then, they looked at links between loneliness and mental health problems in young people with ADHD.

They found that young people with ADHD experience considerably higher levels of loneliness than those without. They also found a correlation between loneliness and various mental health problems among young people with ADHD.

ADHD is a neurobehavioral condition characterized by inattention and/or hyperactive or impulsive behavior. It affects people across the lifespan and influences aspects of their academic, occupational, and social functioning.

These findings suggest that young people with ADHD are particularly vulnerable to loneliness and the mental health problems that accompany it. Sleep deprivation can contribute to feelings of loneliness, too. Learn more in this clip featuring sleep expert Dr. Matthew Walker.

Flaxseed oil supplementation boosts levels of some omega-3 fatty acids but not DHA in lactating women. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Omega-3 Development Breast Milk

Flaxseed oil is rich in alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), a precursor to docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), an omega-3 fatty acid critical for infant brain and eye development. A recent study found that supplementing the diets of lactating women with flaxseed oil altered the levels of some omega-3 fatty acids in breast milk, plasma, and red blood cells but not DHA.

The study involved seven lactating women who consumed 20 grams of flaxseed oil daily for four weeks. Researchers collected and analyzed samples of the participants' breast milk and blood before, during, and after the supplementation period to assess changes in fatty acid composition.

They found that levels of ALA, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosapentaenoic acid (DPA) increased considerably in the participants' breast milk, plasma, and red blood cells throughout the study. However, DHA levels were not significantly altered in any of the assessments.

These findings suggest that dietary supplementation with flaxseed oil in lactating women boosts the presence of omega-3 fatty acids ALA, EPA, and DPA in breast milk and blood. However, flaxseed oil supplementation does not influence DHA levels, highlighting the complexity of fatty acid conversion and the need for further research into dietary strategies that could enhance DHA content in lactating women.

DHA is the most abundant omega-3 fatty acid in a newborn’s brain and influences mental and psychomotor development. ALA can be converted to DHA in the body, but the conversion rate is notably low. The mother’s diet and lifestyle strongly influence the quantity of DHA in breast milk. Learn more about breast milk and breastfeeding in our overview article.

Altered serotonin levels in early life impair the development of the brain's prefrontal cortex – essential for higher cognitive functions. news.cuanschutz.edu

Brain Depression Serotonin Mental Health Development

Serotonin is crucial for early brain development, influencing how brain cells communicate and form networks. The prefrontal cortex, a brain region vital for complex cognitive tasks, such as decision-making and social interactions, is heavily influenced by serotonin levels during development. A recent study demonstrates that alterations in serotonin levels during early life impair prefrontal cortex development, driving changes in the density and function of dendritic spines, the tiny structures on neurons essential for brain communication.

Researchers employed advanced imaging techniques to observe how dendritic spines develop and change in young mice. They also manipulated serotonin levels using genetic tools and monitored the resulting changes in spine density and synaptic function, providing insights into how serotonin shapes neural connectivity during critical developmental periods.

They found that modifying serotonin levels during development induced notable alterations in the structure and functionality of dendritic spines in the prefrontal cortex. These changes were closely associated with the activity of specific serotonin receptors, which are vital for the growth and adaptability of neuronal connections. Furthermore, exposure to fluoxetine (commonly known as Prozac) during early life had similar effects on dendritic spine development, implicating common antidepressants in the complex interplay of serotonin signaling and brain maturation.

These findings highlight the pivotal role of serotonin receptors in modulating the growth and plasticity of dendritic spines, underscoring their importance in the serotonin-driven development of the prefrontal cortex. Learn how vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acids influence serotonin levels and brain development in this open-access article coauthored by Dr. Rhonda Patrick.

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Herbicide exposure linked to impaired neurobehavioral performance in teens. neurosciencenews.com

Parkinson's Development Pollution

Exposure to environmental toxins can harm brain health, especially in teens and children, who are fundamentally more vulnerable than adults to toxic exposures. Herbicides to control weeds and insect repellents to control vector-borne diseases are prevalent worldwide, but scientists don’t fully understand their effects on brain health. A new study shows that exposure to common herbicides impairs teen neurobehavioral performance.

Researchers measured urinary concentrations of common herbicides (glyphosate and 2,4-D) and an insect repellent (N,N-diethyl-meta-toluamide, commonly known as DEET) in 519 teens living in agricultural communities in Ecuador. They tested the teens' neurobehavioral performance in five areas: attention/inhibitory control, memory/learning, language, visuospatial processing, and social perception.

They detected glyphosate in the urine of 98.3 percent of the teens and 2,4-D in 66.2 percent. Higher glyphosate concentrations correlated with lower scores in social perception; higher 2,4-D concentrations correlated with lower scores in attention/inhibitory control, memory/learning, and language. DEET exposure did not influence neurobehavioral performance.

Glyphosate is a broad-spectrum herbicide widely used in agriculture and forestry to control unwanted vegetation. It is known for effectively eliminating weeds and has been a key component of many commercial herbicide products, including Roundup. However, the use of glyphosate has also been a subject of controversy due to concerns about its potential harm to human health and the environment.

These findings suggest that herbicide exposure negatively influences neurobehavioral performance in teens. Listen to Dr. Rhonda Patrick discuss herbicides, pesticides, and disease risk in this Q&A.

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Breast milk lipid molecule stimulates brain stem cells to produce oligodendrocytes, effectively reversing white matter damage in neonatal mice. corporate.dukehealth.org

Brain Development Breast Milk

Premature infants are at greater risk for developing cerebral palsy, a motor disability caused by brain injury-related white matter losses, impairing movement, balance, and posture. However, a new study in mice indicates that a cholesterol-like molecule present in breast milk may protect against cerebral palsy. Mice administered breast milk were protected from the harmful effects of white matter losses.

Researchers tested the ability of several oxysterols (naturally occurring cholesterol-like molecules) in human breast milk to promote the production of oligodendrocytes, a type of cell that stimulates white matter development. They found that the oxysterol 20-alpha hydroxycholesterol induced oligodendrocyte production through the sonic hedgehog pathway – a well-known pathway involved in neurodevelopment.

Then, they gave neonatal mice that had experienced inflammation-driven brain injury and subsequent white matter losses 20-alpha hydroxycholesterol. They found that the compound promoted white matter formation, reversing the animals' brain injuries.

These findings suggest that 20-alpha hydroxycholesterol, a compound present in breast milk, influences neonatal white matter development and may benefit infants at risk for cerebral palsy or other brain injury-related disorders. Learn more about the benefits of breast milk in our overview article.

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Infant gut microbes including Actinobacteria and Bifidobacterium linked to improved social attention tests, suggesting a role for the microbiome in early cognitive development. neurosciencenews.com

Brain Gut Microbiome Development

The gut-brain axis is a complex communication system that links the gut microbial community, digestive system, and nervous system. A new study shows that the gut-brain axis plays a critical role in brain development. Infants demonstrating specific patterns of enhanced brain activity, such as rhythmic processing, exhibited unique gut microbial populations and metabolic processes.

Researchers collected fecal samples from 56 infants between the ages of four and six months and analyzed their microbial composition through metagenomic sequencing. They evaluated the infants' brain activities while listening to a rhythmic beat via electroencephalogram (EEG). Then, using behavioral tests, they assessed aspects of the infants' cognitive abilities, including neural rhythm tracking, language discrimination, and joint attention.

They found that infants who performed well in the joint attention test exhibited specific gut microbial patterns that included higher numbers of Actinobacteria, Bifidobacterium, and Eggerthella, and lower numbers of Firmicutes, Hungatella, and Streptococcus. The EEGs revealed unique neural activity patterns associated with enhanced rhythmic processing, which varied according to the presence of specific microbes. In addition, these neural activity patterns were associated with upregulated metabolic processes involving microbes linked with neurodevelopment.

Neural rhythm tracking facilitates information organization across time, influencing perception, social communication, language, and cognition. Language discrimination differentiates between language and non-language. Joint attention is a social skill that influences infants' capacity to learn from others, affecting early language acquisition and overall cognition.

This study was small; however, its findings suggest a potential connection between the gut microbiome and early cognitive development. It also highlights the intricacies of the gut-brain axis, with potential implications for understanding early brain development and cognitive function. Learn more about the role of the gut microbiota in this episode featuring Drs. Erica and Justin Sonnenburg.

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Neuroprotection across generations: Worm study highlights ursolic acid's effects. neurosciencenews.com

Nutrition Brain Diet Development

Maternal exposures during pregnancy can influence the physiology and development of a woman’s child. But scientists aren’t sure whether this influence extends across generations. A new study in worms suggests that consuming ursolic acid – a bioactive compound found in apples and herbs, such as rosemary and sage – during pregnancy promotes the production of key fats in the brain, boosting neuronal health and function in progeny.

Researchers studied the effects of ursolic acid supplementation in roundworms – a well-established model of human genetics. They fed the worms ursolic acid and assessed its effects on subsequent generations.

They found that the worms' neural transport processes (similar to synaptic connectivity in vertebrates) were more efficient after consuming ursolic acid. The worms also demonstrated reduced susceptibility to axonal fragility in adulthood. Interestingly, these benefits transcended a singular generation, manifesting within subsequent progeny.

The mechanism driving these effects centered around the modulation of sphingosine-1-phosphate, a bioactive metabolite of sphingolipid – a type of fat implicated in neural protection. The offspring of worms that consumed ursolic acid demonstrated elevated sphingosine-1-phosphate levels, thereby conveying neural protection across multiple generations.

These findings suggest that dietary-acquired lipid metabolites can provide neuroprotection across generations. They also underscore the importance of maternal nutrition during pregnancy. Learn about other aspects of maternal (and paternal) health that influence offspring in this clip featuring Dr. Elissa Epel.

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Inadequate maternal fiber intake during pregnancy linked to 50 percent higher risk of developmental delays in children. neurosciencenews.com

Nutrition Diet Pregnancy Development Fiber

Maternal nutrition during pregnancy plays a critical role in a child’s development. A new study suggests that low dietary fiber intake during pregnancy harms neurodevelopment. Children of women who consumed lower levels of dietary fiber during pregnancy were nearly 50 percent more likely to experience developmental delays.

The study involved more than 76,000 Japanese mother-infant pairs. The women completed questionnaires about their typical dietary intake and supplement use during their pregnancies and then provided information about their child’s development at the age of three years.

The questionnaires revealed that, on average, the women consumed roughly 10 grams of fiber daily during their pregnancies, far less than the 18 grams recommended for pregnant women according to the Dietary Reference Intakes for Japanese. Children of women with the lowest fiber intake were approximately 50 percent more likely to experience difficulties with communication, fine motor skills, and problem-solving and 30 percent more likely to experience problems with personal-social skills than children of women with the highest intake.

Dietary fiber is a broad term for the non-digestible components of plant-based foods. According to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, the recommendations for combined fiber intake vary according to age and sex. Women need between 22 and 28 grams of fiber daily, and men need between 28 and 34 grams daily. Pregnant women need at least 28 grams of fiber daily. Most people in the United States only get about half the recommended amount of fiber.

These findings suggest that lower dietary fiber intake during pregnancy harms fetal neurodevelopment. The mechanisms driving this association may be related to dietary fiber’s role in modulating the gut microbiota. Studies in mice suggest that dysbiosis – an imbalance in the microbes that inhabit the gut – impairs development and [promotes gut inflammation[(https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34879222/) in offspring. Learn more about the role the gut microbiota plays in health in this episode featuring Dr. Eran Elinav.

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Swabbing C-section newborns with their mothers' vaginal fluid promotes healthier neurodevelopment at 3 and 6 months, bridging the gap to vaginally del www.newscientist.com

Microbiome Immune System Pregnancy Development

Infants born by cesarean section have different microbial communities in and on their bodies than those born vaginally, potentially increasing their risk of developing certain diseases, such as asthma and obesity. But a new study shows that vaginal microbiota transfer – exposing newborns to fluids from their mother’s vagina – may rectify these differences.

The study involved 68 infants born by cesarean section. Researchers swabbed the infants' skin with sterile gauze soaked in either the mother’s vaginal fluids or saline immediately after birth. They assessed the infants' neurodevelopment at three and six months of age and analyzed the microbial makeup of the infants' guts.

They found that infants who received vaginal microbiota transfer scored higher on neurodevelopment assessments than those who received saline. They also had healthier, more mature gut microbiomes – comparable to infants born vaginally.

These findings suggest that exposing infants born via cesarean section to their mother’s vaginal fluids promotes appropriate neurodevelopment and corrects alterations in gut microbial populations. Learn more about the importance of establishing a healthy microbiome early in life in this clip featuring Dr. Eran Elinav.

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Breastfeeding for 12 months or more linked to higher math and English test scores in 16-year-olds. healthnews.com

Development Breast Milk

Breastfeeding profoundly affects an infant’s brain, greatly influencing intellectual development. A new study shows that longer breastfeeding improves children’s academic performance. Children who breastfed for longer duration performed better on standardized tests than those who breastfed for shorter periods.

Researchers drew on data from the Millennium Cohort Study, which included 5,000 children born in England between 2000 and 2002. They looked at how long each child was breastfed (based on their mothers' reports) and how well they performed on standardized tests around the age of 16 years.

They found that children who breastfed for longer tended to perform better on standardized tests of math and English, even after considering factors like socioeconomic status and maternal cognitive ability. In addition, children who breastfed for at least four months scored an average of two to three points higher on standardized tests than children who never breastfed.

These findings suggest that breastfeeding for a longer duration modestly improves academic performance later in life. Learn more about the benefits of breastfeeding in our comprehensive overview article.

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Vitamin D may boost neurodevelopment, reducing childhood behavioral problems. jamanetwork.com

Vitamin D Brain Behavior Mental Health Development

Although vitamin D is best known for its role in bone health, this fat-soluble vitamin participates in many physiological processes, such as blood pressure regulation, immune function, and cell growth. Now, new research shows that vitamin D also supports neurodevelopment. Young children who received supplemental vitamin D were less likely to have neurobehavioral problems later in childhood than those who didn’t.

Researchers gave 346 infants either low-dose (400 IU) or high-dose (1,200 IU) vitamin D daily from two weeks to two years of age. Then, when the children were between six and eight years old, their parents completed questionnaires regarding their children’s behavior, particularly internalizing behaviors, such as depression, anxiety, and withdrawal. They also collected information about the mothers' prenatal vitamin D status.

They found that nearly 12 percent of the children on low-dose vitamin D exhibited internalizing behaviors between the ages of six and eight. However, fewer than 6 percent of those on the high-dose vitamin D exhibited internalizing behaviors, even after considering other factors that influence behavior, such as sex, maternal depression, and living in a single-parent household. Notably, 48 children in the low-dose group whose mothers had low prenatal vitamin D levels exhibited more internalizing behaviors than those in the high-dose group, suggesting that vitamin D supplementation in early childhood compensated for low prenatal exposure.

These findings highlight yet another role of vitamin D in human health. Learn more about vitamin D in our overview article.

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Higher protein intake may bolster mood in teens. www.psypost.org

Diet Depression Development Protein

According to a new study in teens, higher dietary protein intake improves mood. Adolescent athletes who ate more protein in their diets experienced fewer symptoms of depression.

The study involved 97 adolescent athletes who reported their depressive symptoms before and after a span of 10 months. About three months into the study period, they completed a three-day diary of their typical dietary intake.

The food diaries revealed that, in general, the teens ate fewer healthy fats and carbohydrates than recommended, but more sugar than recommended. Their dietary protein intake met recommendations but was typically lower among females than males. Teens that ate higher amounts of protein were less likely to report depressive symptoms than those with lower intake.

Dietary protein is essential for human health. It provides the building blocks for many biological components, including neurotransmitters in the brain, which play crucial roles in mood, sleep, appetite, and other physiological processes. Although this study did not assess the teens' athletic performance, it’s important to note that protein supports muscle growth and maintenance, ultimately influencing aspects of performance. Learn more about the importance of dietary protein in this episode featuring Dr. Philip Stuart.

Read study abstract and highlights.

Higher fetal exposure to air pollution during the second and third trimester of pregnancy score lower in cognition, motor coordination, and language www.colorado.edu

Brain Pregnancy Development Pollution

Exposure to air pollution during mid-to-late pregnancy interferes with fetal neurodevelopment.

Exposure to air pollution during mid-to-late pregnancy interferes with fetal neurodevelopment, a new study shows. Children whose mothers were exposed to high levels of air pollution scored roughly three points lower on cognitive tests than children exposed to lower levels.

The study involved 161 mother-child pairs living in Southern California, an area known for its high air pollution levels. The researchers gauged the mothers' exposure to particulate matter (a mixture of solid particles and liquid droplets that may have neurotoxic properties) during their pregnancies. When the children reached the age of two years, they underwent tests to assess their neurodevelopment.

The researchers found that children who were exposed to particulate matter in air pollution during pregnancy – especially during the second and third trimesters – had lower composite cognitive scores than children exposed to lower levels. They also performed worse on measures of fine and gross motor skills, language, and expressive communication.

These findings suggest that fetal exposure to particulate matter in air pollution during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy impairs cognitive performance later in life. These trimesters correspond with periods during which critical neurodevelopmental processes occur, such as myelination, neuronal migration, synaptogenesis, and neurogenesis.

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Maternal omega-3 potentiates fetal brown fat via synergistic action of miRNA production and histone modifications, possibly a lifelong benefit www.sciencedirect.com

Metabolism Omega-3 Development Metabolic Syndrome Brown Fat

Omega-3 supplementation during pregnancy promotes brown fat formation in offspring.

A new study in mice showed that omega-3 fatty acid consumption during pregnancy and lactation promoted the formation of brown fat in offspring. Omega-3s also increased energy expenditure and cold resistance.

Researchers fed female mice either a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids or a diet devoid of omega-3s throughout their pregnancies and lactation. They measured their offspring’s brown fat and energy expenditure and assessed their capacity to maintain their core body temperature in cold temperatures.

They found that the mice whose mothers ate a diet rich in omega-3s had higher concentrations of brown fat than those whose mothers did not consume omega-3s. In addition, they had higher energy expenditure and were more efficient at maintaining their core body temperature in cold temperatures. Genetic analysis revealed that the increase in brown fat synthesis was mediated via epigenetic mechanisms. You can learn more about epigenetic mechanisms in our article here.

Brown fat, also known as brown adipose tissue, is found in all mammals and is particularly abundant in newborns. Unlike white fat, brown fat is metabolically active tissue that is rich in mitochondria. It helps maintain body temperature during cold exposure, during which its uptake of glucose is eightfold higher than that of muscle tissues, driving increases in energy expenditure.

Cold exposure increases brown fat activity in humans, possibly benefitting whole-body glucose utilization and insulin sensitivity. Learn more about the effects of cold exposure in our overview article.

Read study abstract and preview.

Babies breastfed for at least three months are less likely to get sick. bmcpublichealth.biomedcentral.com

Immune System Development Breast Milk

Breastfeeding protects infants from many common illnesses, a new study has found. Babies breastfed for at least three months were less likely to spend time in the hospital or develop asthma, colds, ear infections, or other common conditions.

Researchers tracked the health and breastfeeding histories of nearly 4,000 children living in Ireland. They compared the rates of hospitalization and illnesses of babies fed breast milk exclusively for 90 days or more to those who never breastfed.

They found that babies breastfed for 90 days or more were less likely to develop chest infections, common colds, ear infections, asthma, respiratory problems, eczema, skin allergies or problems, vomiting, and colic, compared to those who never breastfed. Breastfed babies were also less likely to require medical treatment or be hospitalized.

These findings support the practice of breastfeeding for optimal infant health. They also underscore the benefits of breast milk, even for infants born in a developed nation.

Breast milk is a complex, dynamic fluid that contains nutritional and non-nutritional components that positively influence an infant’s health and development. These components work together synergistically to supply a compensatory immune “system” that includes antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory agents, immunomodulatory factors, leukocytes, and others. Learn more about breast milk and breastfeeding in our overview article.

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Levels of PFAS, a group of synthetic chemicals, were 278 times higher in freshwater fish across the U.S. than in commercially-sold fish. (2023) doi.org

Cancer Diet Cholesterol Immune System Development Environment

From the publication:

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), previously referred to as “perfluorinated compounds”, are a class of manufactured chemicals that have been detected in nearly all sampling of geographic locations and environmental matrices worldwide, including sites that had no nearby manufacture or use of PFAS. PFAS are used in hundreds of industrial and consumer products including food packaging and waterproof/stain resistant fabrics. Their strong carbon-fluorine bonds provide both hydrophobic and oleophobic properties, which make these chemicals extremely persistent in the environment. The class of PFAS includes tens of thousands of potential environmental contaminants including over one thousand chemicals previously or currently approved for use in the U.S..

For PFAS measured at concentrations already found in the general population, exposure may suppress the immune system. Additionally, exposure to PFAS, with most studies on PFOA and PFOS, has been associated with many health harms, including an increased risk of cancer, high cholesterol, thyroid disease, and reproductive and developmental harms.

The median level of total targeted PFAS in fish fillets from rivers and streams across the United States was 9,500 ng/kg, with a median level of 11,800 ng/kg in the Great Lakes. PFOS was the largest contributor to total PFAS levels, averaging 74% of the total. The median levels of total detected PFAS in freshwater fish across the United States were 278 times higher than levels in commercially relevant fish tested by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 2019–2022. Exposure assessment suggests that a single serving of freshwater fish per year with the median level of PFAS as detected by the U.S. EPA monitoring programs translates into a significant increase of PFOS levels in blood serum.

Additional information:

In June 2018, the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) released a draft Toxicological Profile that derived minimal risk levels (MRLs), which are similar to RfDs, for intermediate duration exposure (15–364 days) of four PFAS routinely measured in NHANES [28]. The MRL [minimal risk levels] values for PFOA (3 ng/kg/day) and PFOS (2 ng/kg/day) are 6.7 and 10 times lower than the RfDs EPA used to develop its 2016 HAs and similar to those developed by New Jersey, though they are based on different studies and endpoints. View full publication

Calming children with electronic devices may harm kids' emotional and behavioral development, a new study finds. www.sciencedaily.com

Brain Development

Calming children with electronic devices may harm kids' emotional and behavioral development, a new study finds. This is particularly true for boys, especially those who are more emotionally reactive.

Researchers asked 422 parents how often they relied on electronic devices to calm their preschool-age children over a period of six months. They also asked the parents to complete assessments of their children’s executive functioning and behavior.

The researchers found that children who were frequently calmed with electronic devices were more likely to exhibit emotional dysregulation. This association was strongest in boys with high surgency – a quality characterized by high-intensity pleasure-seeking, high activity levels, low shyness, and impulsivity.

Emotional regulation refers to the ability to understand and manage one’s behavior and feelings in appropriate ways. Most children develop emotional regulation during the preschool years of two to five years of age, coinciding with frontal lobe development. Emotional dysregulation is characterized by heightened impulsivity and sudden changes in mood or feelings.

These findings indicate that calming preschool-age children with electronic devices may have negative effects on emotional and behavioral development. The study’s authors recommended that parents help children develop coping skills that are not reliant upon tech devices.

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DHA – an omega-3 fatty acid – improves intelligence scores in children born prematurely. neurosciencenews.com

Omega-3 Development

A new study shows that premature infants who received supplemental DHA, a type of omega-3 fatty acid, at birth performed better on intelligence tests later in childhood than those who did not receive DHA. This was true regardless of whether the infants were fed breast milk, formula, or both.

Researchers monitored the cognitive performance of more than 650 children born before 29 weeks' gestation. From birth until roughly the age of 36 weeks' gestation, about half of the children received DHA (60 milligrams per kilogram of body weight per day) via tube feeding, while the other half did not. When the children were five years old, they took a standardized intelligence test.

The researchers found that children who had received DHA as infants performed better on the intelligence tests – about 3.5 points higher – than the children who did not receive DHA.

DHA, or docosahexaenoic acid, is found in fatty fish such as salmon, herring, mackerel, anchovies, sardines, and tuna. It plays important roles in neurological development. The bulk of DHA accumulation in the brain occurs during the final trimester of pregnancy.

This study demonstrates that DHA may benefit cognitive performance in children born prematurely. Interestingly, evidence suggests that DHA can reduce the risk of premature birth. Learn more in this clip featuring Dr. Bill Harris.

The gut microbiome influences brain development and social skills – could it be an effect of reduced synaptic pruning? www.quantamagazine.org

Nutrition Brain Gut Diet Microbiome Autism Development

The gut microbiome influences the development of social skills later in life, a recent study in fish has found. Fish that have delayed microbiome development show distinct differences in their brain structure and behavior compared to those with appropriately timed development.

Researchers studied zebrafish, which are naturally social, to see how the microbiome affected the animals' behavior. Using a special type of zebrafish that lacked a microbiome, they inoculated one group of fish with bacteria immediately after birth to promote microbiome development. They delayed the inoculation of another group of fish by one week.

They found that the fish that had delayed microbiome development exhibited more neural circuits in their brains and fewer microglia – a type of immune cell that “prunes” the brain and is necessary for normal development. These fish were also less social than the fish that had appropriately timed microbiome development.

This study suggests that the microbiome influences the social behavior of zebrafish by reducing microglial pruning. Although the study was conducted using fish, other research suggests that these findings could translate to mammals, including humans. Learn more about the role of the gut microbiome in this episode featuring Dr. Eran Elinav.

Read study abstract.

Breastfeeding for longer duration boosts cognitive performance later in life. journals.plos.org

Development Intelligence Breast Milk

Children who were breastfed for 12 months or longer scored higher on standardized intelligence tests – even in their teens, according to a new study. These findings held true even after considering other factors that might influence intelligence.

Researchers asked the mothers of more than 7,800 children living in the United Kingdom how long they breastfed their children. They collected information about each mother’s socioeconomic status and cognitive abilities and administered standardized intelligence tests to the children at the ages of 5, 7, 11, and 14 years.

They found that across the board, longer-duration breastfeeding – 12 months or more – improved children’s performance on intelligence tests at all ages, even up to the age of 14 years. After considering factors that might influence the children’s cognitive performance, such as the mother’s socioeconomic status or intelligence, the researchers found that compared to non-breastfed children, children who were breastfed for longer periods performed modestly higher on intelligence tests from early childhood into their teen years.

Breastfeeding is the biologically superior way to feed an infant. Evidence suggests that breastfeeding has profound effects on the developing infant’s brain, promoting increases in white matter volume, especially in parts of the brain associated with language, emotional regulation, and cognition.

This study’s findings suggest that breastfeeding for longer duration influences an infant’s cognitive performance later in life. Learn more about the benefits of breastfeeding in our overview article.

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Women with higher omega-3 intake are more likely to conceive. academic.oup.com

Omega-3 Pregnancy Development

As many as 48 million women worldwide experience infertility. Although many factors influence fertility, an abundance of evidence suggests that nutrition is a key player. Findings from a recent study suggest that women who take omega-3 fatty acids are 1.5 times more likely to conceive than those who do not.

Omega-3 fatty acids are polyunsaturated fats that play critical roles in human health throughout the lifespan. Higher intake of omega-3s is associated with a reduced risk of many diseases, and some evidence indicates that these fatty acids play important roles in both male and female fertility.

The study involved more than 900 women between the ages of 30 and 44 years who were enrolled in the Time to Conceive study and had no history of infertility. Investigators collected information about the women’s menstrual cycles and supplement and medication use.

They found that women who took omega-3 supplements were 1.5 times more likely to conceive than those who did not take them. The authors noted that because this was not a randomized, controlled trial, the women who took omega-3s might represent a more health-conscious group. However, the findings held true even after considering other factors that influence fertility, including age, obesity, race, having a previous pregnancy, and intake of vitamin D, prenatal vitamins, and multivitamins.

These findings suggest that omega-3 fatty acids positively influence female fertility. [Learn more about the health benefits omega-3s in our overview article.](LINK)

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Less screen time and more physical activity are associated with better self-control in children. www.sciencedirect.com

Exercise Mental Health Development

To optimize children’s physical, social, and emotional well-being, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that children eat plenty of fruits and vegetables, limit screen time, and regularly engage in physical activity. Findings from a recent study suggest that meeting the guidelines for physical activity and screen time is related to greater executive function in toddlers.

Executive functions are defined as neurocognitive processes that influence working memory, flexible thinking, and self-control. People with lower executive functioning are more likely to exhibit low academic performance, poor physical health, financial difficulties, and substance dependence than those with higher executive function.

The study involved 356 toddlers (24 months old) enrolled in the STRONG Kids2 study, an ongoing investigation into how individual biology interacts with the family environment to promote healthy eating habits in young children. The children’s parents completed questionnaires about their child’s diet, physical activity, and daily screen time.

The investigators found that toddlers that met the AAP guidelines had greater executive function and self-control. They also showed greater evidence of emergent metacognition – the emerging awareness and understanding of their own thought processes, an essential component of the learning process. Toddlers who were physically active every day showed the highest levels of emergent metacognition. Taken together, these findings suggest that less screen time and more physical activity help children develop executive functioning skills.

View publication abstract.

Babies Breastfed for a Year or More Better Protected Against Adult Obesity www.newsweek.com

Obesity Development Breast Milk

Breastfeeding for a year or longer protects infants against obesity in later life.

Obesity is a condition in which a person has too much body fat. Having obesity increases a person’s risk for many chronic diseases, including diabetes, heart disease, cancer, and others. New research suggests that breastfeeding for a year or longer protects infants against obesity in later life.

Breastfeeding is the biologically superior way to feed an infant. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of an infant’s life and then continued breastfeeding while introducing age-appropriate foods until an infant is 12 months old or older. This provides the infant optimal nutrition and immunity while supporting growth and development.

To model short-term versus long-term breastfeeding in humans, the investigators weaned one group of rat pups at three weeks of age (typical weaning time) and another group at four weeks of age (delayed weaning time, comparable to a year or more in humans). Once the animals were weaned, half of each group were fed a normal diet, and half were fed a high-fat diet until they reached adulthood. The investigators measured the animals' bodyweight, analyzed their body composition, and measured their energy expenditure.

They found that rats that ate a normal diet and were weaned at the typical and delayed times did not differ in terms of bodyweight in adulthood. But rats that had a delayed wean time and were fed a high-fat diet were leaner than those that were weaned at the typical time and fed a high-fat diet. The delayed rats also had higher energy expenditures and more active brown fat, a type of fatty tissue involved in thermogenesis, or heat production. The delayed rats' brown fat contained higher quantities of various proteins involved in thermogenesis, including fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21). FGF21 activates neurons in the brain involved in metabolic regulation.

These findings suggest that prolonged breastfeeding protects against obesity in later life, likely mediated by the influence of FGF21 on metabolic regulation. Learn more about the beneficial effects of breastfeeding for both infants and mothers in our overview article.

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New study explores infection effect on fetal brain development medicalxpress.com

Brain Immune System Development

Maternal infection during pregnancy influences fetal neurodevelopment.

Maternal immune activation due to infection, allergies, or other exposures during pregnancy switches on the activity of a wide array of inflammatory pathways and proinflammatory molecules. These molecules can cross the blood-brain barrier and the placenta, potentially disrupting fetal neurodevelopment and impairing sensory processing abilities later in life. These impairments are often manifested in neuropsychiatric disorders such as autism or schizophrenia. Findings from a recent study suggest that interleukin-15 modulates the effects of a simulated viral infection during pregnancy.

Interleukin 15, a cytokine that is found primarily in immune cells, plays important roles in regulation of the antiviral immune response. IL-15 also participates in the development of natural killer cells, a type of immune cell that is present in large numbers in the uterus during early pregnancy and participates in placental development.

The study investigators injected pregnant normal mice and mice that lacked IL-15 with polyinosinic:polycytidylic (poly I:C), a chemical used in the laboratory setting to simulate a viral infection. Poly I:C interacts with toll-like receptors to elicit an immune response. Other normal and IL-15-deficient mice received saline injections. The investigators tested the animals' offspring in adolescence and adulthood to identify behavioral problems and auditory hypersensitivity. They collected brain tissue samples from a subset of the offspring for examination.

They found that offspring of IL-15-deficient mice that experienced immune activation during pregnancy were more likely to exhibit behavioral problems and auditory hypersensitivity, suggesting that IL-15 plays roles in brain development. They also noted that exposure to poly I:C and IL-15 deficiency independently altered behavioral manifestations in the mice. However, IL-15 deficiency influenced some of the effects of poly I:C exposure.

These findings suggest that IL-15 modulates the effects of maternal immune activation during pregnancy, with potential long-lasting effects on offspring behavior. They also underscore the importance of appropriate vaccination before and during pregnancy to minimized immune activation and its potential harms.

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Using a HEPA filter during pregnancy increased child full-scale IQ by 2.8 points. medicalxpress.com

Brain Pregnancy Development Pollution

Background: Developmental exposure to air pollution is associated with diminished cognitive abilities in observational studies, but no randomized controlled trial has examined the effect of reducing air pollution on cognition in children.

Objectives: We sought to quantify the impact of reducing exposure to particulate matter (PM) during pregnancy on children’s cognitive performance at 4 y of age.

Methods: In this single-blind, parallel-group, randomized controlled trial in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, we randomly assigned 540 nonsmoking pregnant women (268 intervention and 272 control) to receive 1–2 portable high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter air cleaners or no air cleaners. The air cleaners were used from a median of 11 wk gestation until the end of pregnancy. The primary outcome was full-scale intelligence quotient (FSIQ) assessed using the Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence, Fourth Edition (WPPSI-IV) when children were a median of 48 months old. We imputed missing outcome data using multiple imputation with chained equations, and our primary analysis was by intention to treat.

Results: After excluding known miscarriages, stillbirths, neonatal deaths, and medical conditions that impeded cognitive testing and imputation, 475 (233 control and 242 intervention) children were included in our analyses. In an unadjusted analysis, the mean FSIQ of children who were randomly assigned to the intervention group was 2.5 points [95% confidence interval (CI): −0.4, 5.4 points] higher than that of children in the control group. After adjustment to account for an imbalance in preterm birth between groups, the effect estimate increased to 2.8 points (95% CI: −0.1, 5.7).

Conclusions: Reducing PM air pollution during pregnancy may improve cognitive performance in childhood.

Link to full publication.

Longer periods of lactation (breast feeding) may promote lower visceral and pericardial fat, an effect that persists many years through midlife www.sciencedaily.com

Cancer Pregnancy Development Breast Milk Visceral Fat

Breastfeeding may reduce fatty deposits around the heart and other organs.

The benefits of breastfeeding on infant health are widely known, but breastfeeding benefits maternal health, too. For example, evidence suggests that women who breastfeed experience a faster return to pre-pregnancy weight and have a lower risk of developing cardiovascular disease and certain types of cancer Findings from a 2021 study suggest that breastfeeding is associated with having less pericardial and visceral adipose tissue.

Pericardial adipose tissue is fat that accumulates in and on the pericardium – the membrane that surrounds the heart. Visceral adipose tissue is fat that is stored in the abdominal cavity near the liver, pancreas, and intestines. Evidence suggests that pericardial and visceral fat produce adipokines, cell-signaling molecules that drive metabolic dysfunction.

The investigators drew on data from the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults study, an ongoing examination of the risk factors for cardiovascular disease in young adults living in the United States. The participants included 910 women who had given birth at least once during the 25 years of follow-up. They provided information about their reproductive histories, overall health, lifestyles, and how long they breastfed. The investigators used computed tomography to measure the women’s body fat.

They found that women who breastfed had less pericardial and visceral fat than women who did not, even when considering the women’s age, race, smoking status, body mass index, fasting glucose, family history of diabetes, fat intake, total cholesterol, and physical activity. The protective effects of breastfeeding were duration-dependent, with longer-duration breastfeeding exerting greater effects, and appeared to last through midlife.

These findings suggest that breastfeeding is associated with having less pericardial and visceral adipose tissue. Learn more about the benefits of breastfeeding in our overview article.

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Girls on average enter puberty between one-and-a-half and three months earlier, if mother took acetaminophen for >= 12 weeks during pregnancy www.sciencedaily.com

Hormones Pregnancy Development Acetaminophen

Prenatal exposure to acetaminophen accelerates the onset of puberty in females.

Puberty refers to the period of sexual development and maturation and the achievement of fertility. The onset of puberty varies between individuals and is influenced by both genetic and environmental factors, including prenatal exposures. Findings from a 2018 study suggest that prenatal exposure to acetaminophen accelerates the onset of puberty in females.

Acetaminophen is a widely use pain reliever and fever reducer. Although it is generally considered safe for use during pregnancy, a growing body of evidence suggests that acetaminophen is an endocrine disruptor. Endocrine disruptors mimic or interfere with normal hormonal processes in the human body and may influence health throughout the lifespan.

The study involved nearly 16,000 children (and their mothers) enrolled in the Puberty Cohort of the Danish National Birth Cohort. The mothers provided information about their acetaminophen use during pregnancy via phone interviews conducted during and after pregnancy. Starting at the age of 11 years and continuing every six months until they reached sexual maturity, the children provided information about their achievement of specific puberty-related events, such as underarm hair growth, menarche (the first period), first ejaculation, and others.

The investigators found that prenatal exposure to acetaminophen accelerated puberty in females by as much as three months, especially if the mother took the drug more than 12 weeks. Exposure to the drug did not appear to affect the onset of puberty in males.

These findings suggest that acetaminophen exerts dose-dependent endocrine disruptive effects during fetal development, thereby influencing pubertal timing. Because early onset of puberty is associated with a wide range of chronic diseases, including obesity, type 2 diabetes, and some cancers, further study is needed to determine whether acetaminophen use during pregnancy is safe.

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Painkillers in pregnancy may affect baby's future fertility: evidence from animal models www.sciencedaily.com

Hormones Pregnancy Sex Development Acetaminophen

From the article:

Human tissues exposed to either drug for one week in a dish had reduced numbers of cells that give rise to sperm and eggs, called germ cells, the study found.

Ovaries exposed to paracetamol for one week had more than 40 per cent fewer egg-producing cells. After ibuprofen exposure, the number of cells was almost halved.

Experts say this is important because girls produce all of their eggs in the womb, so if they are born with a reduced number it could lead to an early menopause.

Painkiller exposure during development could have effects on unborn boys too, the study found. Testicular tissue exposed to painkillers in a culture dish had around a quarter fewer sperm-producing cells after exposure to paracetamol or ibuprofen.

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Seven days of exposure to acetominophen reduced testosterone by 45% in mouse model of in utero testicular development www.sciencedaily.com

Hormones Pregnancy Sex Testosterone Development

From the article:

The University of Edinburgh study tested the effect of paracetamol on testosterone production in mice that carried grafts of human testicular tissue. These grafts have been shown to mimic how the developing testes grow and function during pregnancy.

Scientists gave the mice a typical daily dose of paracetamol – over a period of either 24 hours or seven days. They measured the amount of testosterone produced by the human tissue an hour after the final dose of paracetamol.

They found there was no effect on testosterone production following 24 hours of paracetamol treatment. After seven days of exposure, however, the amount of testosterone was reduced by 45 per cent.

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Children whose mothers used acetaminophen during pregnancy were more likely to have ADHD symptoms or hyperkinetic disorder at age 7 www.sciencedaily.com

Brain Pregnancy Behavior ADHD Development Acetaminophen

Acetaminophen use during pregnancy may impair fetal neurodevelopment.

Acetaminophen, a drug used to treat pain and reduce fever, has a generally favorable safety profile and is considered safe for use during pregnancy. However, evidence from studies in rodents and humans suggests that acetaminophen exerts endocrine-disrupting properties, which could alter neurological development. Findings from a 2014 study suggest that children of women who took acetaminophen during pregnancy are more likely to develop attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)-like behavioral problems or hyperkinetic disorders.

ADHD is a neurobehavioral condition characterized by inattention and/or hyperactive or impulsive behavior that interferes with functioning, learning, or development. The condition affects more than 9 percent of children living in the United States. Hyperkinetic disorders are conditions characterized by abnormal involuntary movements, such as tremors or tics. The disorders affect 1 to 2 percent of people worldwide and are more common among males.

The investigators drew on data from nearly 65,000 children and mothers enrolled in the Danish National Birth Cohort study. They collected information about the mothers' acetaminophen use during pregnancy via phone interviews and identified children with ADHD or hyperkinetic disorders via parental reports, medical records, and prescription records.

They found that more than half of the women reported taking acetaminophen during their pregnancies. Children of the women who took the drug during pregnancy were 13 percent more likely to have ADHD-like behaviors at the age of 7 years; 29 percent more likely to take ADHD medications; and 37 percent more likely to be diagnosed with a hyperkinetic disorder at birth. These findings held true even after considering possible confounders, such as maternal inflammation, infection during pregnancy, the mother’s mental health problems, or others. The investigators noted longer prenatal exposure strengthened the associations between acetaminophen use and neurodevelopmental disorders.

These findings suggest that acetaminophen use during pregnancy influences fetal brain development, potentially increasing the risk of ADHD or hyperkinetic disorders. The investigators posited that if their findings are indicative of causal associations, acetaminophen should no longer be considered safe for use during pregnancy. However, the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology continues to support the use of acetaminophen during pregnancy.

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Acetominohen use during pregnancy linked to language delay in girls www.sciencedaily.com

Brain Pregnancy Development Acetaminophen

From the article:

In the first study of its kind, researchers have found an elevated rate of language delay in girls at 30 months old born to mothers who used acetaminophen during pregnancy, but not in boys.

[…]

Language delay was seen in 10 percent of all the children in the study, with greater delays in boys than girls overall. However, girls born to mothers with higher exposure – those who took acetaminophen more than six times in early pregnancy – were nearly six times more likely to have language delay than girls born to mothers who did not take acetaminophen. These results are consistent with studies reporting decreased IQ and increased communication problems in children born to mothers who used more acetaminophen during pregnancy.

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Pomegranate juice as a neuroprotective for infants at risk of hypoxia in the womb: differences in white matter and functional connectivity in brain www.sciencedaily.com

Brain Pregnancy Development Urolithin A

From the article:

“Our study provides preliminary evidence suggesting potential protective effects for newborns exposed to pomegranate juice while in utero,” said senior author Terrie Inder

[…]

Polyphenols are known to cross the blood-brain barrier, and studies in animal models have demonstrated protective effects against neurodegenerative diseases. To date, no clinical studies had evaluated the potential effects of giving pregnant women pomegranate juice to protect the brains of at-risk newborns.

[…]

Women were randomized to receive 8 ounces of pomegranate juice daily or a taste/calorie matched placebo that was polyphenol free. Women drank the juice daily from enrollment until delivery. The team measured several aspects of brain development and injury, including infant brain macrostructure, microstructural organization and functional connectivity.

While the team did not observe differences in brain macrostructure, they did find regional differences in white matter microstructure and functional connectivity.

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Excess artificial light exposure increases risk of obesity in preschool aged children www.sciencedaily.com

Obesity Sleep Circadian Rhythm Development Blue Light

Artificial light exposure increases the risk for obesity among children. Light is the primary signal that entrains the body’s master clock to set its 24-hour circadian cycle. Consequently, the body is synchronized to external light-dark cycles. In recent decades, exposure to light from artificial sources (rather than natural ones) has increased, paralleling the global increases in obesity among adults. Findings from a 2016 study suggest that exposure to artificial light increases the risk for obesity among children.

Global health experts estimate that more than 42 million children under the age of five years have obesity, roughly one-fourth of whom live in developing nations. Obesity increases a person’s risk for developing chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and some cancers. It also imposes considerable financial costs at the individual, healthcare system, and national level.

The study involved 48 preschool-aged children receiving daycare services in Australia. The investigators measured the children’s baseline body mass index (BMI), sleep duration and timing, light exposure, and physical activity levels via clinical assessment, parent questionnaires, and light and activity trackers. They repeated these measures 12 months later.

They found that at baseline, children who had longer early exposure to moderate intensity light (such as that from artificial sources) were more likely to have higher BMI, while children who had longer afternoon exposure to bright light (such as that from natural sources) tended to have lower BMI. At the second assessment, the investigators found that even after taking into account sleep duration and timing, BMI, and activity levels, children who had more total light exposure at baseline (due to having earlier exposure) gained more weight than their peers. Specifically, for every hour earlier that the children were exposed to light, they experienced a 0.6 unit increase in BMI. The investigators posited that although this was a small increase, it could be an indicator of a life-long trajectory toward weight gain.

These findings suggest that greater light exposure, especially when it occurs early in the day from artificial light sources, contributes to weight gain in children. Interestingly, adults that receive early exposure to bright light typically sleep better – a key to maintaining a healthy weight. Learn more in this clip featuring Dr. Matthew Walker.

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Exercise induces epigenetic changes in mice that enhance learning and brain function in their offspring www.sciencedaily.com

Exercise Brain Epigenetics Memory Development

From the article:

In mice, the scientists showed that learning ability was passed onto the next generation by epigenetic inheritance. When Fischer and co-workers exposed mice to a stimulating environment in which they had plenty of exercise, their offspring also benefited: compared to the mice of a control group, they achieved better results in tests that evaluate learning ability. These rodents were also found to have improved synaptic plasticity in the hippocampus, a region of the brain important for learning

Both mental and physical activity of the parents matter:

The researchers also found that miRNA212 and miRNA132 accumulated in the brains and sperm of mice after physical and mental activity. It was previously known that these molecules stimulate the formation of synapses in the brain, thus improving learning ability. Through the sperm, they are transmitted to the next generation. “Presumably, they modify brain development in a very subtle manner improving the connection of neurons. This results in a cognitive advantage for the offspring,” says Fischer.

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Aerobic exercise following concussion reduces risk of persistent symptoms by 48 percent in adolescents. www.sciencedaily.com

Exercise Concussion Development Aerobic TBI

“Sport-related concussion is a public health problem, particularly in adolescents.

Male and female adolescent athletes (aged 13–18 years) presenting within 10 days of sport-related concussion were randomly assigned to individualized sub-symptom threshold aerobic or stretching exercise at least 20 min daily, for up to 4 weeks after injury.

On survival analysis, controlling for sex, site, and mean daily exercise time, patients assigned to aerobic exercise were more likely to recover within 4 weeks after injury compared with those assigned to stretching exercise, with a 48% reduced risk of persistent post-concussive symptoms (hazard ratio for stretching vs aerobic exercise of 0·52 [95% CI 0·28–0·97], p=0·039).

This multicenter study found that early treatment with sub-symptom threshold aerobic exercise safely speeds recovery from sport-related concussion and reduces the risk for persistent post-concussive symptoms, an important result given the impact of delayed recovery on adolescent quality of life."

Sugars found in human breast milk boost cognitive flexibility. www.tandfonline.com

Nutrition Development Breast Milk

Breastfeeding during early childhood is associated with positive life outcomes, ranging from improved metabolic health to greater cognitive ability. Researchers believe this effect stems from human breast milk being particularly rich in indigestible sugars, many of which are exclusive to the human species and known as human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs). Now, a new study reports that a particular class of HMOs may be uniquely crucial – at least when it comes to cognitive development.

The researchers conducted their study in piglets, whose anatomical and cognitive development resembles that of human children. Starting at two weeks of age, piglets were randomly selected to receive one of four milk replacement formulas: a control formula mimicking the oligosaccharide composition of pig milk, and three others containing various types of HMOs.

Eight weeks later, piglets were transitioned to a solid diet and trained on a challenging memory task that required them to remember which four out of 16 possible locations in a large arena contained hidden food rewards. For an extra challenge, they started each new trial from a different drop-off point, which meant that they had to actively engage with their surroundings to navigate to the rewarded spots.

Then the animals completed a test of cognitive flexibility – the ability to adapt to changing environments and rules. The researchers baited a new set of four locations with the food rewards and watched how quickly piglets reacted to the change. They found that the piglets that had consumed formula containing sialylated HMOs (HMOs containing a special sugar called sialic acid) were better learners than their peers, especially those whose formula mimicked pig milk. This last group were slowest to learn the new reward locations and more likely to accidentally re-visit spots where they had already collected a reward – a sign of short-term memory lapse.

These results suggest that sialylated HMOs are a particularly crucial component of breast milk for the development of flexible cognition. This effect might be underpinned by the oligosaccharides' high content of sialic acid, which is found in brain cell membranes and implicated in regulating cellular communication, developmental gene activity, and myelination, (the process of coating neuronal axons in fatty tissue that speeds up signaling). Learn more about HMOs and other beneficial components of breast milk in this episode featuring Dr. Rhonda Patrick.

Link to full publication

Vegan children have healthy hearts but have stunted growth and nutritional deficiencies. academic.oup.com

Development

The prevalence of people who follow plant-based vegetarian and vegan diets is on the rise, for reasons including environmental sustainability, improved health, and concerns for animal welfare. The latest update to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans includes vegetarian and vegan options that meet all nutrient requirements; however, much of the research contributing to these recommendations was conducted in adults. A recent report describes the effect of plant-based diets on growth and cardiovascular disease risk factors in children.

Although cardiovascular disease is considered a disease of aging, risk factors in childhood, such as poor diet and sedentary lifestyle, may translate to earlier onset and increased severity of disease in adulthood. One review of observational studies reported that people who adhered to vegetarian and vegan diets had a reduced risk of ischemic heart disease and cancer than people who ate a mixed diet. However, vegetarian and vegan diets tend to provide less calcium and have been associated with an increased risk of fractures, a concern for growing children.

The researchers recruited families with children between the ages of five and ten years, who had a normal body mass index (between 18.5 and 29.9), and who followed a vegetarian or vegan diet. Then they recruited a group of age-matched children who consumed an omnivorous diet, with almost 200 participants total. The researchers collected data from the participants, including family health history and lifestyle, cardiometabolic markers, body composition, and arterial blood flow. The participants wore an activity monitor for two days and kept a food journal for four days to assess their habitual eating and activity habits.

Compared to children that consumed an omnivorous diet, children who ate a vegetarian or vegan diet had less fat mass but similar amounts of lean muscle mass. Vegetarian and vegan children also had lower bone mineral density, although this relationship was not significant in vegetarian children when taking height into account. Vegetarian children had lower total cholesterol, good HDL cholesterol, and serum vitamin B12 and vitamin D without sufficient supplementation. They also had higher glucose, bad VLDL cholesterol, and triglycerides, markers of poor cardiometabolic health. Vegan children were shorter and had lower total cholesterol, including good HDL and bad LDL cholesterol, and less inflammation, but were also more likely to have low iron and vitamin B12 levels without sufficient supplementation.

The authors concluded that vegan children had lower cardiovascular disease risk but had an increased risk of nutritional deficiencies, lower bone mineral density, and shorter height. Vegetarian children had less severe nutritional deficiencies but, unexpectedly, a less favorable cardiometabolic risk profile.

Link to full report.

Bright light reduces symptoms of hyperactivity in young children. medicalxpress.com

Development

Light is the primary signal that establishes the body’s circadian cycles. Exposure to bright light affects mood, attention, and activity levels. Findings from a recent study suggest that exposure to bright light reduces symptoms of hyperactivity in young children.

The study involved 48 preschool children (three to six years old) who were enrolled in E4Kids, a longitudinal study conducted in Australia. The children wore ActiGraph monitors (wristwatch-like electronic devices), which provided measurements of their light exposure and activity levels in one-minute intervals, for two weeks. Their parents provided information about the children’s sleep habits, activity levels, behavior, and demographics. The researchers collected other data about the children, including height, weight, body mass, activity/rest patterns, age, and gender.

They found that children who were exposed to brighter light for longer periods of time exhibited fewer symptoms of hyperactivity, regardless of the timing of the exposure. They noted these effects even at low levels of light, suggesting that young children are more sensitive to the effects of light than adults.

This was an observational study and did not identify mechanisms that drive the relationship between light exposure and behavior. However, the authors of the study posited that light exposure might influence norepinephrine release in the brain, promoting increased vigilance, alertness, and attention. They also suggested that light exposure promotes cortisol release, compensating for the diminished cortisol response commonly observed in children with attention disorders.

Link to full study.

Excess sugar intake in early life impairs memory in adulthood via changes in the gut microbiota. www.sciencedaily.com

Brain Diet Microbiome Memory Development

A healthy gut microbiota is important for cognitive function at any age, but especially during development. Poor dietary quality in early life (i.e., consuming excess sugar) negatively impacts the composition of the gut microbiota and impairs cognitive functioning; however, the mechanisms that drive these changes are unclear. Authors of a new report detail the functional relationship between detrimental gut microbes and hippocampal memory in rats exposed to excess sugar during adolescence.

Germ-free mice, which are born and raised in a sterile environment, demonstrate impaired brain development compared to mice with a normal gut microbiota. This suggests that microbiota composition in early life may impact cognitive function in adulthood. Dietary strategies that minimize sugar intake may improve microbiota quality and maximize developmental potential in children and adolescents.

The investigators conducted a two-part experiment in rats. In the first experiment, they fed sugar-sweetened water or plain water to juvenile rats for 11 weeks. They sequenced bacterial DNA from the rats' fecal samples to measure changes in the gut microbiota. In the second experiment, the researchers treated juvenile rats with antibiotics or a placebo for seven days. Then they treated one half of the antibiotic group with a bacterial culture of Parabacteroides distasonis and Parabacteroides johnsonii, while the other half received a placebo. In both experiments, rats completed a series of tests to measure memory function in adulthood. Finally, the researchers measured gene expression in the hippocampus, one the major memory centers of the brain.

Adult sugar-fed rats exhibited impaired performance on memory tasks associated with the hippocampus, but not other memory centers. The authors discovered that sugar consumption led to an increase in Parabacteroides bacteria in the gut that correlated with impaired hippocampal function. When antibiotic-treated rats were given Parabacteroides distasonis and Parabacteroides johnsonii as a supplement in adolescence, they exhibited similar deficits in memory performance in adulthood as sugar-fed rats. Sugar consumption altered the expression of genes associated with neurotransmitter signaling, while Parabacteroides treatment altered genes associated with metabolic function, neurodegenerative disease, and dopamine signaling.

The authors of this comprehensive report concluded that early-life dietary factors like sugar consumption impact brain development and may impair memory via changes in the gut microbiota.

Link to full study.

Learn more about sugar and its effects on the brain and body in this podcast featuring Dr. Rhonda Patrick.

Micronutrient supplementation before pregnancy improves children’s long-term intellectual functioning. academic.oup.com

Pregnancy Micronutrients Development

Pregnancy and early childhood are periods of human development when the body has an increased requirement for micronutrients (vitamins and minerals). Animal studies have shown the importance of preconception nutrition for offspring development; however, long-term human trials are lacking. Investigators aimed to determine the long-term effects of preconception micronutrient supplementation on children’s intellectual functioning.

Several micronutrients play critical roles in fetal development. For example, folic acid supplementation during pregnancy prevents neural tube defects, and iron plays an important role in brain maturation, promoting cell division, myelination, and synaptic development. Less is known about the importance of other micronutrients, however.

The researchers assigned over 5,000 female participants to take folic acid (2,800 micrograms) only, iron plus folic acid (60 milligrams iron and 2800 micrograms folic acid), or multiple micronutrients (15 micronutrients including iron and folic acid) for an average of 33 weeks between baseline and conception. Researchers tracked 1,300 of the participants' children from birth to the age of six. They tested the children on multiple domains of intelligence and collected information regarding maternal health and home life.

Compared to children whose mothers received only folic acid, children in the iron plus folic acid and mixed micronutrient group performed better in multiple domains, including verbal comprehension, perceptual reasoning, working memory, and processing speed. This effect was strongest for children whose mothers consumed the supplements for greater than 26 weeks before conception. The effects of supplementation were also stronger for children born to households with low socioeconomic status.

The authors concluded that preconception micronutrient supplementation is important to optimize child development and recommended the promotion of supplementation to all females of child-bearing age.

Link to full report.

A woman's cardiovascular health influences her children's cardiovascular health. www.sciencedaily.com

Development Cardiovascular

Cardiovascular disease is an umbrella term that includes coronary artery disease, heart attack, and stroke, among others. Together, these diseases are the primary cause of death among people living in the United States. Findings from a recent study indicate that a woman’s cardiovascular health influences her children’s cardiovascular health.

The study drew on data from nearly 6,000 mother-father-child triads of participants enrolled in the Framingham Heart Study, a long-term, ongoing study of cardiovascular disease risk among people living in Framingham, Massachusetts. The authors of the study scored the participants' cardiovascular health according to the American Heart Association scoring system, ranking them as having poor, intermediate, or ideal cardiovascular health.

The study spanned nearly 72,000 person-years, during which 718 cardiovascular events occurred. Children of mothers whose cardiovascular health was ideal lived nine more years free of cardiovascular disease than those whose mothers had poor cardiovascular health. Onset of poor cardiovascular health occurred earlier among children whose mothers had poor cardiovascular health, with nearly twice the risk of early-onset cardiovascular disease compared with children of women with ideal cardiovascular health.

These findings suggest that a woman’s cardiovascular health can predict that of her children’s and underscore the importance of public health and clinical interventions designed to improve cardiovascular fitness.

Link to study abstract.

Nanoparticles in air pollution accumulate in the brains of young adults: A common denominator in neurodegenerative disease? www.sciencedaily.com

Alzheimer's Parkinson's Development Pollution

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and Parkinson’s disease (PD) are the two most common neurodegenerative conditions in older adults, affecting a combined 36 million people worldwide. Evidence suggests that exposure to air pollution increases the risk of developing these diseases. Findings from a recent study demonstrate that particulate matter in air pollution accumulates in the brains of young adults and may serve as a common denominator in the pathophysiology of AD and PD.

Particulate matter in air pollution is a mixture of solid particles and liquid droplets. It is present in fine inhalable particles, with diameters that are generally 2.5 micrograms or less. Ultrafine particles less than 1 microgram in diameter, referred to as nanoparticles, are often enriched in highly reactive metals such as iron, aluminum, titanium, and others. They may serve as catalysts for reactive oxygen species formation and promote protein misfolding and aggregation. Nanoparticles in air pollution are not regulated and carry many health risks. They are also present in food additives and food packaging materials.

The authors of the study documented biomarkers of AD and PD present in brainstem samples taken during the autopsies of 186 healthy children and young adults (age range, 11 months to 27 years) living in the metro area of Mexico City, a region known for its high levels of air pollution. They also conducted magnetic remanence studies to quantify the presence of metal-rich nanoparticles in the brainstem samples. Finally, using high resolution scanning and transmission electron microscopy and energy-dispersive X ray analysis, they identified the composition, location, size, and shape of nanoparticles in the substantia nigra region of a randomly chosen single sample taken from the larger group. Damage to the substantia nigra is a hallmark of PD.

They found that all of the brainstem samples contained iron-, aluminum-, and titanium-rich nanoparticles. The quantity of nanoparticles varied among the brain samples, likely due to the level and duration of exposure. The authors posited that these nanoparticles could have been acquired via both oral and respiratory routes from food sources and airborne exposures, respectively. Damage to the mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum, and neuromelanin in the single brainstem sample correlated with the presence of iron-, aluminum-, and titanium-rich nanoparticles.

These findings suggest that exposure to nanoparticles is pervasive, with evidence confirmed as early as 11 months of age. Such exposures may put people living in urban areas where high levels of air pollutants are present at greater risk for developing AD and PD.

Lithium blocks some of the sleep disturbances, memory loss, and learning problems tied to fetal alcohol syndrome in mouse study www.sciencedaily.com

Sleep Alcohol Memory Pregnancy Development Lithium BDNF

From the article:

The new study found that giving the drug to newborn mice 15 minutes after “binge” alcohol consumption eliminated the hyperactivity and sleep deficits seen when rodents exposed to alcohol became adults. Moreover, the researchers report, lithium chloride-treated mice were much less likely to show the 25 percent drop in memory and cognitive test scores seen in untreated mice given the same amount of alcohol.

“Our study showed that lithium chloride prevented many of the damaging neurological effects of alcohol abuse on the still-developing brain, especially the impact on the parts of the brain controlling sleep,” says co-senior study investigator Donald Wilson, PhD.

Promoting BDNF as one pathway to brain cell survival:

“Lithium chloride is known to block many pathways that lead to brain cell death, while promoting others that lead to survival, like brain-derived neurotrophic factor, or BDNF,” says Saito, a research assistant professor at NYU Langone. Further experiments are needed, she says, to determine if chemicals that stimulate BDNF production also blunt the effects of alcohol abuse in newborn mammals.

Note: increased BDNF seems to actually be a natural mechanism by which the brain responds to reduce damage of BDNF

Decreased exposure to air pollution associated with improved cognitive development and increases BDNF levels in children. www.sciencedaily.com

Brain Development Pollution BDNF

Exposure to air pollutants is associated with an increased risk of developing many health disorders, including heart disease, stroke, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lung cancer, and acute respiratory infections. Some evidence suggests that exposure to air pollution can impair neurological development in children. A 2014 study showed that reducing exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) was associated with improved cognitive development and increased BDNF levels in children.

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons are produced during the combustion of coal, oil, gasoline, trash, tobacco, and wood. High-temperature cooking, such as grilling, promotes the formation of PAHs in meat and other foods. PAHs promote the formation of DNA adducts – covalent modifications of DNA that can drive carcinogenesis.

The study involved two cohorts of mother-child pairs who lived near a coal plant in China. One cohort of pairs was made up of 150 women who were pregnant while the coal power plant was operational and the other was made up of 158 women who were pregnant after it closed. None of the women smoked, and they all lived within 2.5 kilometers (about 1.5 miles) from the coal plant.

The authors of the study analyzed BDNF levels and their relationship to adduct formation and developmental outcomes in the two cohorts. They collected umbilical cord blood and maternal blood samples and measured the amount of DNA adducts in the samples. They also measured plasma levels of BDNF. When the children reached the age of two years, they underwent standardized testing that assessed motor, adaptive, language, and social development.

The children who were born to women who were pregnant after the plant closed had lower levels of PAH-DNA adducts, higher concentrations of BDNF, and higher developmental scores than those who were born to women who were pregnant when the plant was operational. Higher BDNF levels were associated with developmental scores. The findings suggest that reducing exposure to air pollutants during pregnancy lowers levels of PAH-DNA adducts and increases BDNF levels in infants.

Interestingly, clinical trials have demonstrated that sulforaphane, a compound derived from cruciferous vegetables (especially broccoli sprouts), can reduce the harmful effects of exposure to air pollutants (including PAHs) in humans. Sulforaphane works by switching on the activity of the body’s in-house detoxication pathways. Learn more about sulforaphane in this podcast featuring Dr. Jed Fahey.

Link to full study.

Low BDNF during pregnancy is associated with depression during pregnancy and subsequent low fetal birth weight. www.sciencedaily.com

Brain Pregnancy Development BDNF

Depression is the most common form of mental health condition worldwide, affecting more than 322 million people. The disorder affects women disproportionately and is particularly common during pregnancy. Findings from a 2017 study demonstrated that serum levels of BDNF drop considerably during pregnancy, potentially increasing a woman’s risk for depression.

BDNF modulates synaptic plasticity and long-term potentiation – critical aspects of memory storage and brain function. Low BDNF levels are associated with increased risk for depression00181-1/fulltext?cc=y=).

The study involved 139 healthy pregnant women (77 Blacks and 62 whites) who were assessed three times during their pregnancies (once during each trimester) and again at four to 11 weeks postpartum. The authors of the study measured the participants' BDNF and cortisol levels via blood samples, gathered demographic data, and conducted psychosocial assessments. They reviewed the women’s medical records to determine their infants' birth weights.

The results of their assessments indicated that the women’s BDNF levels dropped considerably over the course of their pregnancies but rebounded during the postpartum period. In general, Black women had higher BDNF levels and lower cortisol levels than white women during pregnancy and postpartum. Lower levels of BDNF during the second and third trimesters were associated with higher risk for depression and lower birthweight babies, regardless of race.

Interestingly, these findings contradict those of an earlier study in rats and humans. However, the authors of the current study suggested that the conflicting findings may have been due to differences in assays used to measure BDNF.

Evidence indicates that exercise increases BDNF. Exercise is generally considered safe for pregnant women and may be a way to prevent some of the changes in mood that occur during pregnancy.

Blood levels of docosahexaenoic acid, a type of omega-3 fatty acid, predict how well children concentrate and learn. www.sciencedaily.com

Brain Omega-3 Development

Nutrition is essential for a child’s development and lifelong health. Early nutritional shortfalls are associated with impaired neurological development and growth. Findings from a new study indicate that blood levels of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), a type of omega-3 fatty acid, predict how well children concentrate and learn.

Omega-3 fatty acids are essential for human health. DHA is an omega-3 fatty acid found in the human brain and the meat of fatty fish. It plays a key role in the development of eye and nerve tissues and is essential for normal brain function in humans. Dietary sources of DHA include krill oil, salmon and (especially the roe), flying fish, and pollock.

The randomized controlled study involved 362 children between the ages of seven and nine years who had below-average reading skills, with most of the children reading at levels about 18 months younger than their chronological ages. Each of the children took either 600 milligrams of supplemental DHA per day or a placebo for 16 weeks. At the end of the study period, the authors of the study assessed the children for changes in reading, working memory, and behavior, including attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder, based on performance and teacher and parental assessments.

Although the authors of the study didn’t observe improvements in reading scores in the supplemented group as a whole, they did see small improvements among those who were reading at the lowest levels. Children reading at the 20th percentile gained nearly a month in terms of reading age level. Those reading at the 10th percentile gained nearly two months – roughly a 50 percent improvement above what would normally be expected. The parents reported improvements in behavior, but the teachers did not. Supplementation did not affect the children’s working memory.

These findings suggest that supplemental DHA provides an effective means to improve reading and behavior in children with poor reading skills.

Link to full study.

Vitamin C status important for fetal hippocampal development: deficiency leads to a 10-15 percent reduction www.sciencedaily.com

Brain Vitamin C Memory Pregnancy Development

According to animal research, even mild vitamin C deficiency may impact fetal hippocampal development, a part of the brain crucial for learning and memory.

From the article:

“Even marginal vitamin C deficiency in the mother stunts the fetal hippocampus, the important memory centre, by 10-15 per cent, preventing the brain from optimal development,” says Professor Jens Lykkesfeldt.

[…]

“People with low economic status who eat poorly – and perhaps also smoke – often suffer from vitamin C deficiency. Comparatively speaking, their children risk being born with a poorly developed memory potential. These children may encounter learning problems, and seen in a societal context, history repeats itself because these children find it more difficult to escape the environment into which they are born,” says Jens Lykkesfeldt.

From an earlier study’s press release:

Guinea pigs subjected to moderate vitamin C deficiency have 30 per cent less hippocampal neurones and markedly worse spatial memory than guinea pigs given a normal diet. […] The highest concentration of vitamin C is found in the neurons of the brain and in case of a low intake of vitamin C, the remaining vitamin is retained in the brain to secure this organ.

Vitamin C deficiency is widespread and may impact early development:

In some areas in the world, vitamin C deficiency is very common – population studies in Brazil and Mexico have shown that 30 to 40 per cent of the pregnant women have too low levels of vitamin C, and the low level is also found in their foetuses and new-born babies.

Vitamin C reduces the loss of pulmonary function caused by prenatal nicotine exposure www.atsjournals.org

Vitamin C Pregnancy Development Tobacco Supplements

From the article:

We now report that vitamin C supplementation can prevent some of the effects of maternal nicotine exposure on pulmonary function of offspring. […] Nicotine exposure significantly reduced forced expiratory flows, but supplementation of mothers with 250 mg vitamin C per day prevented the effects of nicotine on expiratory flows. Vitamin C supplementation also prevented the nicotine-induced increases in surfactant apoprotein-B protein.

[…]

Prenatal nicotine exposure significantly decreased levels of elastin content in the lungs of offspring, and these effects were slightly attenuated by vitamin C. These findings suggest that vitamin C supplementation may potentially be clinically useful to limit the deleterious effects of maternal smoking during pregnancy on offspring’s lung function.

Vitamin C Pregnancy Development

From the article:

Human studies in siblings show that children born to a mother who was obese during pregnancy are at greater risk of heart disease than siblings born to the same mother after bariatric surgery to reduce maternal obesity. Such studies have provided strong evidence in humans that the environment experienced during critical periods of development can directly influence long-term cardiovascular health and heart disease risk.

[New research] shows that adult offspring from pregnancies complicated by chronic hypoxia have increased indicators of cardiovascular disease, such as high blood pressure and stiffer blood vessels.

[…]

The Cambridge study, led by Professor Dino Giussani, used pregnant sheep to show that maternal treatment with the antioxidant vitamin C during a complicated pregnancy could protect the adult offspring from developing hypertension and heart disease. The work therefore not only provides evidence that a prenatal influence on later heart disease in the offspring is indeed possible, but also shows the potential to protect against it by “bringing preventative medicine back into the womb,” as Dr Kirsty Brain, first author of the study, puts it.

Publication

Vitamin C status important for fetal hippocampal development

Vitamin C Development

According to animal research, even mild vitamin C deficiency may impact fetal hippocampal development, a part of the brain crucial for learning and memory.

From the article:

“Even marginal vitamin C deficiency in the mother stunts the fetal hippocampus, the important memory centre, by 10-15 per cent, preventing the brain from optimal development,” says Professor Jens Lykkesfeldt.

[…]

“People with low economic status who eat poorly – and perhaps also smoke – often suffer from vitamin C deficiency. Comparatively speaking, their children risk being born with a poorly developed memory potential. These children may encounter learning problems, and seen in a societal context, history repeats itself because these children find it more difficult to escape the environment into which they are born,” says Jens Lykkesfeldt.

Brain tissue levels of iron during adolescence influence cognitive abilities. massivesci.com

Brain Development Iron Neurons

As many as 10 million people living in the United States have low iron levels. Findings from a new study suggest that iron levels in the basal ganglia region of the brain during youth influence cognitive ability.

Iron is an essential nutrient that plays critical roles in many facets of brain function, including cellular respiration, neurotransmitter synthesis, and myelination – a process essential to nerve cell transmission and cognitive development. Iron can be obtained in the diet from both animal and plant sources.

The basal ganglia comprise clusters of neurons located deep within the cerebral hemispheres, at the base of the forebrain and the top of the midbrain. They participate in a wide range of cognitive, motor, and emotive functions.

The longitudinal study involved more than 800 young people between the ages of 8 and 26 years old who were enrolled in the Philadelphia Neurodevelopment Cohort study. The participants underwent neuroimaging scans up to three times during the study period to quantify iron levels in four regions (caudate, putamen, nucleus accumbens, and globus pallidus) of their basal ganglia. They also completed cognitive performance tests to assess executive control, complex cognition, episodic memory, social cognition, and motor speed.

The imaging scans revealed that iron levels increased over time in all four regions of the basal ganglia, with the greatest concentrations present in the globus pallidus and putamen, areas that regulate voluntary movement and learning. Higher iron concentrations in the putamen, in particular, were related to higher cognitive abilities among the participants. The accumulation of iron in these regions occurred earlier in females.

These findings highlight the importance of proper nutrition during development and suggest that iron supplementation may be beneficial, especially during adolescence.

Link to full study.

Screen time exposure begins in infancy and increases with age. www.nih.gov

Development

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends avoiding screen time exposure for children under the age of 18 months and limiting screen time to one hour per day for children between the ages and two and five years. As digital devices become more ubiquitous, however, screen time use among children is increasing. Findings from a new study indicate that screen time exposure begins in infancy and increases as a child ages.

The study was part of the Upstate New York Infant Development Screening Program, a population-based, prospective cohort study of nearly 3,900 children between the ages of one and three years. The data were drawn from reports of children’s screen time, which included television, movie, and computer game use at 12, 18, 24, 30, and 36 months of age.

The authors of the study found that average screen time exposure among one-year-old infants was nearly one hour per day (53 minutes). Screen time exposure increased over time as children got older to an average of 2.5 hours per day (150 minutes) by the age of three years. Children who were in home-based childcare or were born to first-time mothers were more likely to have the highest screen time exposures by the age of eight years.

Previous research has demonstrated that children who have more screen time exposure have poor structural integrity in areas of their brains that support language and literacy skills. Other research indicates that high screen time is associated with poor academic performance, decreased physical activity, and negative social interactions in middle childhood.

Link to full study.

When mothers were more interactive with their infant during a play activity, epigenetic changes occurred in the infant's DNA. www.eurekalert.org

Pregnancy Behavior Development

Oxytocin is a neurohormone that plays a critical role in human psychological development and social behavior. Maternal oxytocin levels increase markedly after giving birth, influencing the bond a mother forms with her infant. Findings from a new epigenetic study suggest that maternal behavior also influences an infant’s developing oxytocin system.

Oxytocin action requires the presence of its receptor, the expression of which is regulated, in part, by DNA methylation. Lower levels of DNA methylation are associated with increased levels of the oxytocin receptor.

The study involved 101 infants and their mothers. The participants' interactions were observed during a free-play period when the infants were five months old and again when the infants were 18 months old. The degree of oxytocin receptor methylation was measured at both assessment periods.

The investigation revealed that the infants' DNA exhibited epigenetic changes that were correlated with the quality of the mother’s involvement in the play period. In particular, lower levels of DNA methylation were observed at the 18-month assessment if the mothers were highly involved in the play period, suggesting that maternal involvement with their infants has the capacity to enhance the activity of the developing infant’s oxytocin system. These findings were reflected in the infants' behavior, with high levels of methylation observed in temperamental, moody babies.

These findings suggest that maternal behavior may have a substantial impact on infants' developing oxytocin systems via epigenetic regulation.

Link to full study.

A mid-day nap 3x per week in children ages 10-12 was associated with a 7.6% increase in academic performance, elevated mood, improved behavior. penntoday.upenn.edu

Brain Sleep Behavior Development

A mid-day nap at least 3x per week in children ages 10-12 was associated with a 7.6% increase in academic performance, elevated mood, improved self-control, and fewer behavioral problems.

This study was conducted in 3,000 school children in China where napping continues through elementary and middle school, even into adulthood. It is well known that napping is critical for intellectual development and emotional regulation in infants and toddlers so it is not too surprising that naps may be beneficial for older children as well.

Additionally, many school children remain drowsy throughout the day as a consequence of early school start times. The authors of this study propose an interesting potential “middle ground” solution to the early start times; mid-day naps at school.

This study was not a randomized controlled trial which is necessary to establish causation. Still, I think almost every parent would agree that naps make happier and healthier children.

Prenatal exposure to organophosphate pesticides has been associated with reduced IQs, mental and motor delays among preschoolers, memory and attention journals.plos.org

Memory Pregnancy Behavior Autism Development

Prenatal exposure to organophosphate pesticides has been associated with reduced IQs, mental and motor delays among preschoolers, memory and attention deficits, and autism (review of 27 studies).

A higher likelihood of an autism diagnosis was observed for children born to women residing within (versus beyond) 1.5 km of organophosphate pesticide applications on agricultural fields. Another recent study showed that higher organophosphate pesticide metabolite concentrations in maternal urine during pregnancy were associated with autism traits identified in adolescence. Risks for impaired neurodevelopment were greater among children of farmworkers, who experience higher exposures, and children with genetic susceptibility factors that reduce capacity to detoxify organophosphate pesticides.

Still, these are associations and it is difficult to establish causality. Animal studies have shown effects on cognition, motor activity, and social behaviors when dosed in early life with concentrations of organophosphates.

Maternal sugar consumption, particularly from sugar-sweetened beverages, was associated with poorer childhood cognition including non-verbal abilities www.sciencedaily.com

Brain Depression Pregnancy Development Sugar Intelligence

Maternal sugar consumption, particularly from sugar-sweetened beverages, was associated with poorer childhood cognition including non-verbal abilities to solve novel problems, poorer verbal memory, poorer fine motor, and poorer visual-spatial/visual-motor abilities in childhood.

The study also found that substituting diet soda for sugar-sweetened soda during pregnancy was also linked to negative effects. However, children’s fruit consumption (but not fruit juice) had beneficial effects and was associated with higher cognitive scores.

As with any observational study, it is difficult to establish causation. However, the data was adjusted for a variety of other health and socioeconomic factors which does strengthen the data.

Here is the long list of the health/lifestyle factors that the data were adjusted for: maternal age, pre-pregnancy BMI, parity, education, smoking status during pregnancy, maternal prenatal fish intake (the mean of the first and second trimesters), household income at enrollment, and the child’s sex and race/ethnicity,child’s birth weight, maternal marital status, intelligence, depression during pregnancy, pre-pregnancy physical activity levels, Western or prudent dietary pattern (calculated without fruits and sugar beverages), breastfeeding duration, paternal age and education, and HOME-SF score.

Nursing mothers that supplemented with the probiotic Lactobacillus reuteriis were 2x as likely as a placebo to reduce crying by 50% in colicky babies. pursuit.unimelb.edu.au

Probiotics Pregnancy Development

Nursing mothers that supplemented with the probiotic Lactobacillus reuteriis for 3 weeks were twice as likely as a placebo to reduce crying by 50% in colicky babies who are exclusively breastfed.

This new study is in line with another recent study that also showed mothers who supplemented with the probiotic Visbiome during late pregnancy and, while nursing, lowered inflammatory biomarkers in the breastmilk and improved symptoms of colic in their newborns as a downstream effect of that.

I am actually taking 1 sachet of Visbiome (no affiliation) a day while I’m breastfeeding. One sachet contains 450 billion live probiotic bacteria (6 different strains). It’s important to realize that store-bought probiotics have almost certainly been impacted by the deteriorating effects of the supply chain that it took to get them on the shelf in the store… and even if that weren’t the case, usually they have only a VERY small fraction of the dose that clinical strength probiotics like Visbiome and VSL#3.

Visbiome study link: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5133065/

Consumption of broccoli sprouts during late gestation & lactation confers protection against developmental delay induced by maternal inflammation. www.sciencedirect.com

Nutrition Brain Diet Development Sulforaphane Protein Lipopolysaccharide

This is an interesting rodent study. The problem is, however, broccoli sprouts are not usually advisable for women that are pregnant because they can be a source of foodborne illness. If proven safe, however, it seems (at the surface) plausible that there could be ways to reduce the risk of in the future. Perhaps through supplementation?

FTA:

Methods: Pregnant Long-Evans rats were administered i.p. Injections of saline (100 μl) or lipopolysaccharide (LPS, 200 μg/kg), every 12 h on embryonic day (E) 19 and 20. In the treatment groups, dams were supplemented with 200 mg/day of dried BrSp from E14 until postnatal day 21. Pups underwent a series of neurodevelopmental reflex tests from postnatal day 3–21 followed by neuropathological analyses.

Note: LPS elicits a strong immune response.

Results: Pups born from the LPS group were significantly growth restricted (p < 0.001) and delayed in hindlimb placing (p < 0.05), cliff avoidance (p < 0.05), and gait (p < 0.001) compared to controls. […] Dietary supplementation with [broccoli sprouts] to offspring exposed to LPS had increased birth weights (p < 0.001), were no longer delayed in acquiring hindlimb placing, cliff avoidance, gait, and posture, and groomed less compared to LPS alone pups (p < 0.01). Histological analyses revealed that LPS pups had reduced myelin basic protein compared to controls.

The discussion had some interesting things to say about why mitigating the fetal inflammatory response is a big deal:

An important recognized antepartum risk factor is the systemic fetal inflammatory response (FIR) [3], which is associated with a four-fold increase in the risk of developing [cerebral palsy]. Both clinical and experimental studies have provided strong evidence supporting the association between FIR and brain injury leading to [cerebral palsy].

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Q&A #50 with Dr. Rhonda Patrick (8/5/23)

The effects of nicotine and cigarette smoke exposure on breast milk and breastfeeding

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