Although humans are born with all, or almost all, of the brain cells that they will ever have, brain development continues throughout infancy. A newborn’s brain develops by forming connections between nerve cells, connections reinforced by experiencing and observing the world around her. Proper nutrition is crucial to brain development in these early stages. According to “The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition,” phospholipids in human breast milk may aid in the maturation of the developing brain.
Breast Vs. Cow Milk
Long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids, or LCPUFAs, are incorporated into brain phospholipids during human brain development, according to the American Society of Nutrition. These LCPUFAs continue to be incorporated into the developing brain from the third trimester of pregnancy until the child is 2 years old. Docosahexaenoic acid, or DHA and arachidonic acid are the two LCPUFAs needed to support brain phospholipids, but these DHA does not naturally exist in cow’s milk and must be added to fortify it. A 2011 study published by “The Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition” found that human breast milk contains enough DHA and phospholipid to support brain development for full term babies, but not for premature babies.
Phospholipids and Brain Function
The “Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition” states that phospholipids may be of high importance in infant brain development. Phospholipids are fat molecules that are the principal structural component of cell membranes, including the membranes of brain cells. Phospholipids also help in the synthesis of messenger molecules that carry signals from receptors in cell membranes to various organelles inside your cells. The molecular makeup of brain phospholipids evolves in the womb and in early life, and these changes affect the way signals are carried between brain cells, according to “The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.”
Phospholipids and Schizophrenia
Anomalies in phospholipid synthesis are associated with the early development of schizophrenia, according to the journal “Molecular Psychiatry.” A study conducted in 2003 by the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine found that free phospholipid precursors were significantly lower in the pre-frontal lobes of children and adolescents who were at high risk of developing schizophrenia due to a family history of the disease.
Phospholipids, ADHD and Autism
A physical inability to process dietary phospholipids may be a factor in the development of autistic disorder and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder or ADHD, according to the journal “Prostaglandins, Leukotrienes and Essential Fatty Acids.” More research is needed to determine the effects of breastfeeding on the prevention of these disorders.
References
- "Molecular Psychiatry": Prefrontal Membrane Phospholipid Metabolism Of Child And Adolescent Offspring At Risk for Schizophrenia or Schizoaffective Disorder: An In Vivo 31P Mrs Study
- American Society for Nutrition: The Milk Debate
- The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition: Early Determinants of Development: A Lipid Perspective
- The Cell: A Molecular Approach: The Molecular Composition of Cells
- Prostaglandins, Leukotrienes and Essential Fatty Acids: Autistic Disorder and Phospholipids: A Review
- Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition: French Mothers' Milk Deficient in DHA Contains Phospholipid Species of Potential Interest for Infant Development
