Choline and docosahexaenoic acid during the first 1000 days and children's health and development in low- and middle-income countries.
Megan G BraggElizabeth L PradoChristine P StewartPublished in: Nutrition reviews (2021)
Choline and DHA are nutrients that, when provided during the first 1000 days from conception to age 2 years, may have beneficial effects on child neurodevelopment as well as related health factors, including birth outcomes and child growth, morbidity, and inflammation. Because these nutrients are found mainly in animal-source foods, they may be lacking in the diets of pregnant and lactating women and young children in low- and middle-income countries, potentially putting children at risk for suboptimal development and health. Prior reviews of these nutrients have mainly focused on studies from high-income countries. Here, a narrative review is presented of studies describing the pre- and postnatal roles of choline, docosahexaenoic acid, and a combination of the 2 nutrients on child neurodevelopment, birth outcomes, growth, morbidity, and inflammation in low- and middle-income countries. More studies are needed to understand the specific, long-term effects of perinatal choline and docosahexaenoic acid intake in various contexts.
Keyphrases
- mental health
- public health
- healthcare
- heavy metals
- fatty acid
- oxidative stress
- health information
- young adults
- pregnant women
- case control
- preterm infants
- randomized controlled trial
- polycystic ovary syndrome
- health promotion
- gestational age
- type diabetes
- physical activity
- risk assessment
- weight loss
- body mass index
- insulin resistance
- skeletal muscle