Pediatrician and author Dr. William Sears notes that brain development in infancy doubles by the end of the first year, reaching up to 60 percent of the expected adult volume. By the end of three years, the brain is up to 90 percent developed and is ready for the neuronal pruning activities that home in on needed cognition and mental tasks, discarding the connections that go unused. With so much inherent neuronal growth, parents might decide to consider nutritional support that could improve cognitive functioning from the very beginning.
Significance
The human brain contains countless neuronal connections, so it is clear that caring for your child's brain is of great importance. Studies at Oregon State University indicate that choline given in infancy may improve spacial cognitive ability, and that it has possible implications for preventing dementia in old age. Choline deficiency can lead to chronic, debilitating illness over time.
Benefits
For optimal brain health, the addition of choline is vital for tissue flexibility and structural integrity. It also supports the brain's cognitive ability, playing a key role in learning and memory function. As children grow, choline aids the learning process by providing an element of the nutritional support needed for retaining information and transferring it into long-term memory. If your child displays developmental delays or memory difficulties, talk to your doctor.
Sources
Breast milk is naturally rich in choline as well as a multitude of other brain-boosting nutrients. Though some formulas might contain added choline, experts agree that starting your baby off with breast milk is the greatest gift you can offer her developing brain. As your baby begins to accept solid foods, choline-rich choices include eggs, wild salmon, organic peanut butter, soybeans, flax, beef liver, oats, potatoes, cauliflower, broccoli and lentils. If you suspect your child has allergies, choose choline-rich foods appropriate for his dietary needs.
Considerations
The best way to prevent over-consumption of any nutrient, including choline, is to offer it to your child in natural foods rather than in supplements. That way, you can be sure your child is receiving easily digestible and readily available forms of this vital nutrient. Talk with a pediatrician about optimal choline amounts for your child.
Misconceptions
Because choline is sometimes referred to as "the memory nutrient," eager parents might expect that providing this nutrient will affect their child's educational success. It is important to remember that brain health is greatly affected by the form of psychological and psychosocial nurturing your child receives as well as by diet. Nurturing your child's brain with choline alone does not guarantee that your child will be gifted or endowed with an exceptional memory.
References
- "The Baby Book"; William Sears, M.D and Martha Sears, R.N.; 2008
- Oregon State University-Linus Pauling Institute: Choline
- "Behavioral Neurology and Neuropsychology"; Todd Feinburg and Martha Farah; 2003
- "Natural Mental Health"; Carla Wills-Brandon; 2007
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