In this fast-paced and ever-changing world, we all want our little ones to reach their full potential, absorbing knowledge and shining bright at every milestone. Join us as we explore how specific nutritional components can impact your child’s brain development and enhance their learning experience, propelling towards greatness, thinking quick and learning fast!
The Link Between Nutrition and Children’s Development
You probably know how vital good nutrition is for your child’s strength and health. The right nutrients will ensure that your precious little one has plenty of energy to conquer the day and steers clear of future long-term health issues1. But did you know that it’s just as important for their brain development? The right nutrients fuel children’s mental performance, memory and intelligence for the long run2. That’s why, apart from the delicious mix of foods like protein, fats, dairy and vegetables, there are superstar nutrients like sphingomyelin and DHA that supercharge your child’s brain development.
- Sphingomyelin for Brain Development
Think of it as a natural brain booster, like nature’s secret recipe for your child’s smartness! This special ingredient is a phospholipid that works like a protective coating around the wires in the brain that helps messages travel between nerve cells efficiently. As such, it’s an ingredient that supports faster brain connections (myelination) which helps children perform mental operations faster.
Research shows that higher levels of sphingomyelin in a child’s first two years of life are significantly associated with higher rates of change in their verbal development3. Furthermore, it goes beyond linguistics. Studies also suggest that sphingomyelin is a relevant nutritional contributor to a child’s brain and cognitive development so consider adding a little of this brain-boosting goodness to your child’s early years for a smart start!
- DHA: Docosahexaenoic acid for Brain Development
What is the role of DHA? In order to understand this, you can picture your child’s brain as a bustling city, full of busy micro messengers called neurotransmitters. One of the omega-3 fatty acids, DHA, acts as a special fuel to help these messengers work more efficiently. In effect, it is like supercharging these messengers to ensure they communicate at breakneck speed and keep everything running smoothly in your child’s brain4. Additionally, DHA is not a stand-alone supplement. In combination with sphingomyelin and ARA, this trio promotes your child’s cognitive development.
Beyond your child’s physical and brain growth, a fortified immune system is a must. A strong immune system means fewer sick days, granting your child more moments to learn, discover, and shine. This opens doors to endless exploration and learning. Nutrients like 2’FL, iron, and zinc empower their natural defenses for a healthier journey ahead.
- 2’-FL for Better Immunity
Ever heard of Milk Oligosaccharides (MOs)? These specialised sugars are serious multitaskers that do wonders for your child’s health. They’re not just about keeping the immune system strong, the tummy happy, and the brain sharp. One superstar MO, 2’-FL, is like a treat for the friendly bacteria in your child’s tummy – where around 70% of their immune heroes live5.
But wait, there’s more! 2’-FL isn’t just a tasty treat for the tummy buddies. Studies prove that infants who consumed milk with 2’FL had immune benefits and fewer parent-reported respiratory infections6. When the immune system is strong, it’s like giving a thumbs-up to brain development, learning, and memory skills.
And guess what? There’s even a hint 2’-FL exposure may influence the development of the brain’s tissue characteristics and neutral circuit formation7. So, these MOs are a valuable part of your child’s well-being.
With the right nutrition, your child will be able to think quickly, learn fast and emerge exceptional! Your child’s journey to excellence begins with their nutrition.
This article is brought to you by Wyeth Nutrition.
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References:
- https://www.nationwidechildrens.org/family-resources-education/700childrens/2021/03/importance-good-nutrition-kids
- https://www.wyethnutrition.com.sg/nutrients-babies-need-brain-development
- www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6709232/
- dx.doi.org/10.1139/h2012-062
- https://www.wyethnutrition.com.sg/how-2-fl-formula-improves-child-immune-system
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30241407/
- www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9501015/#:~:text=We%20therefore%20postulated%20that%202,its%20adult%20size%20%5B37%5D.