Vitamins and neural and cognitive developmental outcomes in children

Abstract

The role of vitamin status in the development of the brain and the subsequent functioning of the brain was considered. There are data with a range of vitamins, from animal studies and human studies in developing countries, suggesting that a clinical deficiency during the critical period when the brain is developing causes permanent damage. To date there is, however, with the exception of cases of clinical deficiency such as those that might be associated with a vegan diet, little evidence that variations in the diet of those living in industrialised countries have a lasting developmental influence. Similarly, later in life clinical deficiencies of various vitamins disrupt cognition although there is to date limited evidence that variations in the intake of single vitamins in industrialised societies influence functioning. It may well be, however, unreasonable to expect that vitamins examined in isolation will be associated with differences in cognitive functioning. The output of the brain reflects millions of metabolic processes, each potentially susceptible to any of a range of vitamins. A diet poor in one respect is likely to be poor in other respects as well. As such, the preliminary reports in double-blind placebo-controlled trials that aspects of cognition and behaviour respond to supplementation with multi-micronutrients may indicate the way forward.

The role of nutrition in children's neurocognitive development, from pregnancy through childhood

“…However, this increase was only marginal, and no association was observed with crystallized intelligence in children. The finding of this review (i.e., that fluid intelligence, but not crystallized intelligence, may be influenced by multiple-micronutrient supplementation) is consistent with conclusions drawn from other studies (Benton, 2001, 2012). Fluid intelligence refers to reasoning ability that reflects the individual's current neurological potential (indexed by measures such as speed of processing) rather than their level of past attainment and acquired, crystallized knowledge (which is measured by abilities such as depth of vocabulary).…”

“…Fluid intelligence refers to reasoning ability that reflects the individual's current neurological potential (indexed by measures such as speed of processing) rather than their level of past attainment and acquired, crystallized knowledge (which is measured by abilities such as depth of vocabulary). Fluid ability is typically measured via non-verbal cognitive tests, while crystallized intelligence is more usually measured by administering verbal cognitive tests (Eilander et al, 2010; Benton, 2012). …”

Effects of multivitamin, mineral and herbal supplement on cognition in younger adults and the contribution of B group vitamins

“…The increasing popularity of these supplements has led to interest in the influence of multivitamins on a variety of health and behavioural outcomes. To date, randomised controlled trials were conducted to investigate the cognitive effects of multivitamins in children (Benton, ) or the elderly (Kennedy and Haskell, ), with fewer studies focussing on a mature adult demographic.…”

Early-life adversity programs emotional functions and the neuroendocrine stress system: the contribution of nutrition, metabolic hormones and epigenetic mechanisms

“…methionine (Benton, 2011;van de Rest et al, 2012;Walker, 2005). The information on how the availability of these nutrients affects brain development, in particular how it programs the hypothalamic system, has been addressed only to some extent and is fragmented, indicating the need for more detailed research in this context.…”