Malnutrition and brain development: An analysis of the effects of inadequate diet during different stages of life in rat

Alamy, Meryem; Bengelloun, Wail A.

doi:10.1016/j.neubiorev.2012.03.009

Cited by 119 publications

(116 citation statements)

References 139 publications

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“…The effect of malnutrition on brain structures has been extensively researched in animal models. Malnutrition appears to alter cell numbers, cell migrations, myelinisation, synaptogenesis, hippocampal formation and neurotransmission in rats (Debassio et al, 1996;Mathangi and Namasivayam, 2001;Granados-Rojas et al, 2002;Alamy and Bengelloun, 2012). In a human study, researchers described fewer numbers of neurons with shorter dendrites and abnormal dendritic spines in individuals with malnutrition; however, this study was carried out just on 13 severely undernourished infants, compared to seven adequately fed babies (Benítez-Bribiesca et al, 1999).…”

Section: Malnutritionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The Role of Nutrition in Children's Neurocognitive Development, From Pregnancy Through Childhood

Nyaradi¹,

Li²,

Hickling³

et al. 2015

Prenatal and Childhood Nutrition

129

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This review examines the current evidence for a possible connection between nutritional intake (including micronutrients and whole diet) and neurocognitive development in childhood. Earlier studies which have investigated the association between nutrition and cognitive development have focused on individual micronutrients, including omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin B12, folic acid, choline, iron, iodine, and zinc, and single aspects of diet. The research evidence from observational studies suggests that micronutrients may play an important role in the cognitive development of children. However, the results of intervention trials utilizing single micronutrients are inconclusive. More generally, there is evidence that malnutrition can impair cognitive development, whilst breastfeeding appears to be beneficial for cognition. Eating breakfast is also beneficial for cognition. In contrast, there is currently inconclusive evidence regarding the association between obesity and cognition. Since individuals consume combinations of foods, more recently researchers have become interested in the cognitive impact of diet as a composite measure. Only a few studies to date have investigated the associations between dietary patterns and cognitive development. In future research, more well designed intervention trials are needed, with special consideration given to the interactive effects of nutrients.

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Section: Malnutritionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The Role of Nutrition in Children's Neurocognitive Development, From Pregnancy Through Childhood

Nyaradi¹,

Li²,

Hickling³

et al. 2015

Prenatal and Childhood Nutrition

129

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…In addition, hypothalamus malfunctions and behavioral abnormalities induced by protein restriction during adulthood have been observed (Alamy & Bengelloun 2012); however, these effects were observed immediately after the diet-restriction treatment and not after diet recovery. Beyond the hypothalamus, it is striking that pancreatic b-cell are one among several other targets of early injuries, which can manifest as dysfunction in adulthood (Barbosa et al 2002, Reusens & Remacle 2006.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Low-protein diet in adult male rats has long-term effects on metabolism

Malta

Oliveira

Ribeiro

et al. 2014

Journal of Endocrinology

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Nutritional insults during developmental plasticity have been linked with metabolic diseases such as diabetes in adulthood. We aimed to investigate whether a low-protein (LP) diet at the beginning of adulthood is able to program metabolic disruptions in rats. While control rats ate a normal-protein (23%; NP group) diet, treated rats were fed a LP (4%; LP group) diet from 60 to 90 days of age, after which an NP diet was supplied until they were 150 days old. Plasma levels of glucose and insulin, autonomous nervous system (ANS), and pancreatic islet function were then evaluated. Compared with the NP group, LP rats exhibited unchanged body weight and reduced food intake throughout the period of protein restriction; however, after the switch to the NP diet, hyperphagia of 10% (P!0.05), and catch-up growth of 113% (P!0.0001) were found. The LP rats showed hyperglycemia, insulin resistance, and higher fat accretion than the NP rats. While the sympathetic tonus from LP rats reduced by 28%, the vagus tonus increased by 21% (P!0.05). Compared with the islets from NP rats, the glucose insulinotropic effect as well as cholinergic and adrenergic actions was unaltered in the islets from LP rats. Protein restriction at the beginning of adulthood induced unbalanced ANS activity and fat tissue accretion later in life, even without functional disturbances in the pancreatic islets.

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“…The development and (functional) maturation of many (metabolic) organs including the gastrointestinal tract [78], brain [79], pancreas [80], and adipose tissue [81] continue for a considerable time after birth. For instance, adult differences in adipose cell numbers between lean and obese people gradually develop during childhood, already showing a 2-fold difference in the number of cells at the age of 2 years [82].…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Nutritional Challenges and Opportunities during the Weaning Period and in Young Childhood

Alles

Eussen

Beek³

2014

Ann Nutr Metab

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The early years of life are a period of very rapid growth and development. In this critical phase, food preferences are formed which carry over into childhood and beyond and foundations are laid for a healthy adult life. Excess energy, imbalances in macronutrient quality, and nutritional deficiencies may form inappropriate nutritional signals, leading to metabolic disturbances and affecting the obesity risk. For instance, the intake of protein and sugar-sweetened beverages in young children has been associated with an increased risk of overweight and obesity. In reality, scientific reports have shown that the dietary intakes of vegetables, α-linolenic acid, docosahexaenoic acid, iron, vitamin D, and iodine are low and the intakes of protein, saturated fatty acids, and added sugar are high in young children living in Europe. A focus on improving feeding habits and approaches to support more balanced nutritional intakes early in life may have significant public health benefits.

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Malnutrition and brain development: An analysis of the effects of inadequate diet during different stages of life in rat

Cited by 119 publications

References 139 publications

The Role of Nutrition in Children's Neurocognitive Development, From Pregnancy Through Childhood

The Role of Nutrition in Children's Neurocognitive Development, From Pregnancy Through Childhood

Low-protein diet in adult male rats has long-term effects on metabolism

Nutritional Challenges and Opportunities during the Weaning Period and in Young Childhood

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