Nutrition Brain and how

the learning develops

Lic. Roberto Daz de Len Gutirrez

Pregnancy and infancy are importants periods for the

formation of the brain laying the foundation for the
development of cognitive, motor and socioemotional skills.
Children with restricted development of this skills during early
life are at risk for later neuropsychological problems, pour
school achievement, early school drop out and poor care of
their own children, thus contributing to the intergenerational
transmission of poverty

Inadequate availability of nutrients during gestation and

infancy affects the structural and functional development
of the brain

Moderate (30%) reduction in maternal food negatively

affected fetal brain even though fetal weight was no
affected

Studies generally found that those who had suffered from early
malnutrition had poorer IQ levels, cognitive functions, and
school achievements, as well as greater behavioral problems

Providing structured activities to promote cognitive development in

addition to nutrition and health care. Two studies in Uganda and
Bangladesh have shown that providing such stimulation can help
improve mental and motor development in severly malnourished
infants