Nutrition and brain development

Question 1

What is the production of neurons called?

Answer 1

Neurogenesis

Question 2

What is the formation of synapses between neurons called?

Answer 2

Synaptogenesis

Question 3

What is myelination?

Answer 3

Production of myelin sheaths by oligodendrocytes, acting as electrical insulators → speeding up impulse propagation

Question 4

What area of the brain takes the longest to develop?

Answer 4

Prefrontal cortex

Question 5

What is synaptic pruning?

Answer 5

When some synapse connections are cut so others can grow stronger (ones that are used again and again)

Question 6

What is the composition of the brains dry matter (20% of the brain)

Answer 6

10% protein, 20% carb mainly glucose, 60% fat
The rest is micronutrients- electrolytes, chlorine, zinc, iron, B vitamins, choline

Question 7

What is folate in the maternal diet important for in neurodevelopment?

Answer 7

Formation of neural tube from the maternal diet

Question 8

What is iodine in the maternal diet important for in neurodevelopment?

Answer 8

Synthesis of thyroid hormones- essential for normal neuronal migration and proliferation

Question 9

What is iron important for from the maternal diet in neurodevelopment of the baby?

Answer 9

Iron is responsible for oxygen transport from the lungs to the brain as well as energy production, synthesis of neurotransmitters and myelination

Question 10

Where does iron accumulate in the brain?

Answer 10

In some areas especially highly myelinated areas

Question 11

What is the emerging field of the gut brain axis saying about the gut microbiome and neurotransmitters?

Answer 11

That the gut microbiome even produces neurotransmitters.
There is a hypothesis that early life nutrition may modulate the microbiota and neurodevelopment