Diet and Microbiome (Child and Adolescent)

Infants and children are the focus of this 2021 study since the most critical period for neurodevelopment is during the first 1000 days of life, and various nervous systems continue to develop beyond this period and even throughout life. Nutrition plays a big role in development and functioning, which is why this review presents the role of nutrients in cognitive, emotional, and neural development in infants and young children, while paying special attention to polar lipids and high quality (available) protein. Not only this, but this article also explores the dynamic nature of the connection between the gut and the brain (called the gut-brain axis), as well as the importance of microbial diversity in a variety of outcomes (including brain maturation/function and behavior). The authors also discuss the therapeutic potential of psychobiotics in modifying gut microbial ecology and enhancing mental health. Our evidence shows that as well as the individual contributions of nutrients, their interactions with other micro- and macro-nutrients, and the way in which they are organized in the food matrix are all vital for normal neurocognitive development.