Nutritional aspects modulating brain development and the responses to stress in early neonatal life.
Nutrition is one of the critical factors insuring adequate growth and development in all species. In particular, brain development is sensitive to specific nutrient intake such as proteins and lipids, which are important for cell membrane formation and myelinization. Carbohydrate intake insures adequate short-term energy supply, but has important effects on the activity of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis to regulate stress responsiveness. This review focuses on the effects of carbohydrates and fat on the activity of the HPA axis as well as other brain-related functions such as pain modulation, neuropeptide and neurotransmitters release, and some aspects related to cognitive functions. The role of leptin, DHA and AA as mediators of the effects of fat on the brain is discussed.
Walker
Claire-Dominique
CD
Douglas Hospital Research Center, Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, 6875 Lasalle Blvd, Verdun, QC, Canada H4H 1R3. waldom@douglas.mcgill.ca
D000818:Animals; D001921:Brain / Q000196:embryology / Q000254:growth & development*; D004041:Dietary Fats / Q000494:pharmacology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D020738:Leptin / Q000378:metabolism; D018377:Neurotransmitter Agents / Q000378:metabolism; D009747:Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; D011247:Pregnancy; D011297:Prenatal Exposure Delayed Effects; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000503:physiopathology*; D013395:Sucrose / Q000494:pharmacology
D004041:Dietary Fats; D020738:Leptin; D018377:Neurotransmitter Agents; D013395:Sucrose