Foods for baby and young children today can affect the development of the brain. This is due to the different nutrients at each meal. Keep proper selection so that the baby's brain development can be maximized.
Foods
Sea vegetables are very good sources of iodine. Other sources of iodine include yogurt, cow's milk, eggs, strawberries and mozzarella cheese. One easy way to include iodine in your diet is to use iodized salt for cooking. Avoid too much salt: pregnant women are prone to water retention swelling that can be exacerbated by salt intake.
Foods rich in folic acids are lentils, dried beans and peas, dark green vegetables and citrus fruit and juice. Processed foods enriched with folic acid, such as enriched bread and cereals are also good sources.
Omega-3 fatty acids are abundant in seafood, fish and nuts. Among these foods, salmon, flax seeds and walnuts are the best sources.
As a mother-to-be, one of your biggest concerns is to make sure your fetus in the womb grows healthily and normally. One of your worries is whether you are providing him with all the nutrition he needs for the best brain development. Since what you eat directly affects your baby's development as a fetus, you can give him a good start by carefully watching your diet and supplementing when needed.
Significance
The American Pregnancy Association claims that omega-3 fatty acids, especially DHA, is essential to ensure optimal fetal brain development.
According to a study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, folic acid, a B vitamin, and zinc deficiency are linked to neural-tube defects, which are serious birth defects of the spinal cord and the brain sometimes found in newborns. Researchers found that neural-tube defects could be prevented when the maternal level of folic acid and zinc was raised above a critical threshold.
The same study said that iodine deficiency during fetal development could cause irreversible damage to brain development.
Time Frame
Your baby's brain begins forming at three weeks after conception. The most critical fetal development happens during the second and third trimester. And the brain development continues to partly rely on your baby's nutrition until the age of 2. Therefore, it is critical for you to meet all your nutritionsl needs throughout the pregnancy.
Warning : When increasing seafoods and fish intake, watch out for heavy metal and environmental contaminations. Avoid predator fish, such as swordfish, shark, tuna and king mackerel, which can store dangerous levels of mercury.
As with all other foods, moderation is the key. Too much of anything is not healthy and may lead to toxicity, which can cause serious illnesses.
Considerations
If you are a vegetarian or vegan, you may need supplementation to meet the recommended level of nutrients. As always, talk to your doctor before you take any supplements. Consult your doctor if you are concerned about your diet and nutrition.
Reference :
livestrong.com
americanpregnancy.org/firstyearoflife/PEOmega3supplements.html
americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=3013797
ajcn.org/cgi/reprint/57/2/286S.pdf
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