The initial years of life are critically formative for brain development, with research indicating unequal rates of neural activity during this period. It's within these early stages that the foundation for language acquirement and sensory-motor skills are established. Nutrition, supplements, physical activity, play, sleep, and emotional guidance and support play an indispensable role in supporting neurodevelopmental outcomes, and essential nutrients such as omega-3 fatty acids (notably DHA), iron, zinc, folic acid, and antioxidants (vitamins A, C and astaxanthin) have been identified as critical for brain health.

Brain Development and Babies

Brain health begins in the womb, and mom’s nutrition and wellbeing are vital. A high-quality prenatal vitamin that provides the necessary vitamins, minerals, and omega-3s-DHA and EPA is important to include as it provides these crucial nutrients that support mom and baby before, during, and after pregnancy. The need for folic acid more than doubles during pregnancy, and a New England Journal of Med 1999 study showed that supplementing with folic acid the first 28 days of pregnancy reduced risk of neural tube defects by 85%. 

Iodine and zinc are also necessary for promoting healthy brain development. Omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil are critical for proper brain, eye, and nervous system development in utero, and they are especially needed in the last trimester and 12 weeks after birth because this is when DHA demands are high for proper brain development. When taken after pregnancy, DHA can help enhance the quality of breast milk, and it is particularly important during your child’s first two years of life as their brains nearly double in size. Experts recommend a minimum of 500 mg of DHA per day during pregnancy and while breastfeeding. There are algae-based supplements for those adhering to vegetarian or vegan diets.

Supporting Brain Health for Children

It's during these early childhood formative years that the foundation for healthy brain and cognitive function is laid down, brick by neurological brick. Children (1-10 years) continue to require DHA for ongoing brain development and cognitive function. An intake of at least 100-500 mg of DHA per day is advised for children in this age group, as suggested by leading health organizations and as seen in various studies. Adolescents (11-18 years) need sufficient DHA to support continued brain growth and emotional wellbeing. Recommendations suggest a daily intake of 200-600 mg to support cognitive processes including learning and memory and to maintain optimal health outcomes during these formative years. There are tasty flavored fish or cod liver oil liquids that children can take off the spoon or put in foods, or older children can take soft gels to get the daily amounts of omega-3s their brains and bodies need.

A well-balanced diet should provide all the necessary nutrients for a growing child's body and brain; however, many children still don't get enough of these essential nutrients from their daily meals alone. This lack can lead to difficulties concentrating, memory problems, and even behavioral issues. Iron deficiency in infancy and early childhood can affect a child's brain health long-term. Well-absorbed forms of zinc and iron can be found in a delicious chewable form for children. 

Vitamin D receptors are found in the brain, and it promotes healthy growth and development and aids in a healthier mood. Supplemental D3 can be found in many strengths and formats such as soft gels, gummies, or unflavored drops that can be put right on food. Astaxanthin is one of the most potent antioxidant carotenoids and since it can cross the blood-brain and blood-retina barriers, it can deliver antioxidant protection for our children’s brain and nervous system. 

Support for Brain Health Beyond Supplements

In the initial years, the brain is at its most malleable, eagerly forming connections at a breathtaking pace, and this period of rapid neural development encompasses cognitive skills such as thinking, reading, learning languages, as well as emotional and social growth. Supporting a child’s brain development beyond supplements include engaging activities such as age-appropriate puzzles, games, and books that stimulate curiosity and learning. Educational toys, interactive reading sessions, and exploratory outdoor activities are examples of stimuli that contribute positively to brain development, and if play is the day's adventure, sleep is its quiet companion. 

During sleep, the brain sorts through the day's experiences, deciding what to keep and what to discard—a process vital for learning. Adequate sleep also supports overall brain health, helping to maintain mood balance and cognitive function. Establishing a regular sleep routine ensures that children have enough downtime for their brains to process information effectively and grow stronger.

Understanding how to nurture and support brain health and development naturally during this period can set children on a path toward reaching their full potential. Supporting a child’s brain development naturally involves a holistic approach encompassing nutrition, supplements, physical activity, play, sleep, and emotional guidance and support. Each element plays a crucial role in building the blocks of brilliance that will support children throughout their lives. By focusing on these areas from an early age, we can help ensure our children grow into resilient, intelligent, creative individuals ready to face whatever challenges come their way with confidence and grace.