Nutrition plays a crucial role in children’s brain development, affecting everything from cognitive skills to memory and learning abilities. Venice Ho Mun Pheng, a Nutritionist from Nutrigene, answers parents’ most common questions about brain food and how to support their child’s mental and physical growth.
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Q: How does nutrition impact brain development?
Venice Ho: Nutrition fuels your child’s brain by building brain and nerve cells and enhancing cognitive development, memory, and learning. For example, omega-3 is one of the most important nutrients for brain health.
Two things for parents to take note of:
- Breastfeeding mums should ensure their milk contains arachidonic acid (AA), essential for brain development. A DNA test can help determine specific nutritional requirements.
- Other than omega 3, provides vitamin B complex for normal nerve cell development. However, every individual is not the same. What we eat depends on our genes. Of course, we can give general brain food but to be more accurate, we can know from our genes which nutrients we really need.
According to my genetic consultation, lots of kids have a higher need for omega 3 to enhance their cognitive learning, and memory ability, as well as reduce their risk of getting cardiovascular diseases.
Q: What are the most important nutrients for my baby’s brain?
Venice Ho: Baby brain is still growing, so it will need essential nutrients including:
- Omega-3 for brain and nerve cells
- Choline for cognitive learning
- Protein, zinc, iodine, and iron for overall development
- Vitamins A, B complex, C, D, and E for nerve and memory functions
But to know the actual nutrients that our kids really need, consider a DNA test with 1-on-1 consultation on your kids’ personalized diet plan.
Q: What are the top brain foods for children?
Venice Ho: A balanced diet is key to a healthy brain. The best brain foods contain nutrients such as:
- Omega-3 fatty acids
- Choline
- Protein
- Zinc, iron, and iodine
- Vitamins A, B complex, C, D, and E
But to know the actual nutrients that our kids really need, consider a DNA test with a 1-on-1 consultation on your kids’ personalized diet plan.
Q: What foods are harmful to my baby’s brain development?
Venice Ho: Avoid these foods:
- Excess sugar and salt
- Raw or undercooked foods (risk of contamination)
- Trans fats (found in crisps, cakes, and fast food)
- Artificial colourings (can cause hyperactivity and cognitive issues)
- Caffeine (in energy and carbonated drinks)
- Honey (unsafe for babies under 1 year due to potential bacteria)
Q: Does frequent diarrhoea affect brain development?
Venice Ho: Yes, frequent diarrhoea can lead to dehydration, malnutrition, and loss of essential minerals, which may affect brain development. Address underlying causes like lactose or gluten intolerance. Offer probiotics and easily digestible foods to rebuild gut health and replenish lost nutrients.
Q: My toddler loves fast food. Does it impact brain development?
Venice Ho: Fast food is high in sugar, salt, trans fats, and artificial additives, which can cause brain inflammation and damage brain cells. Limit fast food consumption and model healthy eating habits. Avoid stocking sugary or processed snacks at home to reduce temptation.
About Venice Ho Mun Pheng
Venice Ho Mun Pheng is a Nutritionist at Nutrigene, specializing in personalized nutrition plans for children. With years of experience in genetic-based consultations, she empowers parents to make informed dietary choices for their kids’ optimal growth and brain development.
Final Thoughts
Your child’s diet plays a vital role in their cognitive development and overall health. From introducing brain-boosting foods to avoiding harmful additives, small changes can make a big difference.
For more expert tips on nutrition and parenting, visit sg.theasianparent.com.