Effects of early nutrition on brain development and cognitive/behavioral problems in children

Nutrient deficiencies still occur in pregnant women and young children in Sweden and are prevalent for some nutrients in certain risk groups.

Cognitive and behavioral problems are common in children and early nutrition is a causal factor of public health importance.We will determine in a series of randomized, controlled clinical trials whether nutritional interventions during different developmental periods improve later cognitive and behavioural test scores:a) Iron supplementation of healthy infants who are breastfed > 4 months (n=228), evaluated at 1-3-years;b) Iodine supplementation of pregnant women (n=1275), children evaluated at 3 yearsc) Hydrolysed cow’s milk formula given to healthy infants (n=234), evaluated at 1-year;d) Long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid supplementation of preterm infants (n=129), evaluated at 2-years.We will determine in a birth cohort (n=10000) as well as in several population-based cohorts of very preterm infants how early nutrition/diet and biomarkers of nutrition are associated with cognitive and behavioral development up to (pre-)school age.For assessment of neurodevelopmental risk, we use state-of the art methods (brain MRI, psychological tests) and we develop novel tools e.g. functional near infrared spectroscopy and neurofilament light.This project will give the evidence base for future national and international recommendations on early life nutrition and may help reduce the prevalence of cognitive and behavioral problems in children.