According to research performed by Harvard University, “Brain Architecture provides the foundation for all future learning, behavior, and health.” It is also mentioned that, “Adverse experiences early in life can impair brain architecture, with negative effects lasting into adulthood…”(Center of the Developing Child, Harvard University).
What is extremely crucial in this discovery is the acknowledgement of the brain and its considerable impact on several aspects in an individual’s health. Particularly children are noted in this study because the complexity built within brains, requires several neural networks, which are highly dependent on early, sufficient nutrient intake. Mentalhealthdaily and several other credible, scientific researches suggest the brain matures until mid 20’s with potential in development of white matter into early 30’s.
This ultimately means that direct, proper nutrition in child care needs to start from the very beginning of infancy until adulthood. Forward-looking nutrition in childhood research through Harvard University validates these expectations and concerns.
Specific areas of foods can be incorporated into a child’s diet to reduce the chances of negative growth complications. From the beginning of infancy, breast milk or baby formula containing larger amounts of typical fat concentration is supplemented because babies are growing at a fast rate, which requires a lot of calories (healthyeating.sfgate.com). Fat is an essential nutrient for developing the brain, nervous system, internal regulation, and a longer lasting energy supply! A deficiency in fat for an infant would greatly decrease the growth of a child, their ability to digest foods, and energy to perform daily activities.
As a child matures, the types of nutrients become more widespread. Children’s growth accommodates and varies towards other nutrients such as carbohydrates. Carbohydrates are found in many grains, fruits, and vegetables. With a body and system that is progressively growing after infancy versus abruptly maturing, Carbohydrates become the main source of a diet, consisting of 45-65% of daily intake! This is because toddlers, children, and adults require a larger amount of simple, efficient sugars over persisting fats. “Glucose” provides the quickest amount of energy to the body, which also fuels the regulation of basic brain processes.
A child until they reach adulthood requires a definitive diet, which will restore and build up fundamental body functions. Appropriate nutrition is crucial for adults and especially children, without it, brains and natural body systems cannot and will not function correctly. This can easily be circumvented if awareness of childhood nutrition is treated aptly.
Ipatenco, Sara. “What Is the Importance of Fat Intake for Children Under 2 Years Old?”SFGate.
Jeffrey M. Johnson, n.d. Web. 23 May 2016. <http://healthyeating.sfgate.com/
importance-fat-intake-children-under-2-years-old-4155.html>.
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