Influence of early life nutrition on neuronal plasticity in newborn
The human brain grows rapidly and differentiates extensively during the late fetal period and the first 3 postnatal years, moving from a relatively undifferentiated and pluripotent organ to a highly specified and organized one. The outcome of this developmental maturation is highly dependent on a sequence of environmental exposures, including diet that deeply influences the ultimate plasticity of the adult brain.
A growing body of research shows that several nutrients shape the brain and affect its function during development with profound and long-lasting effects later in life. In our research, we explore the roles that various human milk nutrients play during the myelination process and the later outcome this process has on behavior and cognition.
