title: [Nutrition and behavior in pediatrics].
abstract: The influence of diet on human behaviour was first postulated several centuries ago, albeit in terms of a magical interpretation of life. Due to our improved knowledge of the basic science, we are now able to provide experimental proof to support this concept. Some opinions, which were once believed to be true, have now been disproved, whereas others have been reconfirmed in physiological terms. This paper aims to evaluate the state of the art in particular with regard to pediatrics. It is now certain that some amino-acids in the diet can influence brain activity by enhancing or reducing the metabolic rates of different neurotransmitters. A modulating effect on the brain has even been suggested with regard to some vitamins and minerals, but data on this aspect are still under evaluation. On the other hand, no data have yet been reported to support the hypothesis of a specific etiological role played by any nutrient in the development of behavioural disturbances.
authors.affiliation: I Clinica Pediatrica, Università degli Studi La Sapienza, Roma.
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Pitzalis
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Vania
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Monti
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Mariani
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Lionetti
mesh_terms: D000596:Amino Acids / Q000378:metabolism; D001289:Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / Q000209:etiology; D001921:Brain / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology; D002648:Child; D002652:Child Behavior; D002653:Child Behavior Disorders / Q000209:etiology; D002664:Child Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; D004032:Diet; D006801:Humans; D007227:Infant Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D018377:Neurotransmitter Agents / Q000502:physiology
chemical_list: D000596:Amino Acids; D018377:Neurotransmitter Agents