Choline and Docosahexaenoic Acid During the First 1000 Days and Children's Health and Development in Low- and Middle-income Countries

Overview

Journal Nutr Rev

Publisher Oxford University Press

Specialty Nutritional Sciences

Date 2021 Aug 2

PMID 34338760

Citations 5

Authors

Megan G Bragg

Elizabeth L Prado

Christine P Stewart

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Choline and DHA are nutrients that, when provided during the first 1000 days from conception to age 2 years, may have beneficial effects on child neurodevelopment as well as related health factors, including birth outcomes and child growth, morbidity, and inflammation. Because these nutrients are found mainly in animal-source foods, they may be lacking in the diets of pregnant and lactating women and young children in low- and middle-income countries, potentially putting children at risk for suboptimal development and health. Prior reviews of these nutrients have mainly focused on studies from high-income countries. Here, a narrative review is presented of studies describing the pre- and postnatal roles of choline, docosahexaenoic acid, and a combination of the 2 nutrients on child neurodevelopment, birth outcomes, growth, morbidity, and inflammation in low- and middle-income countries. More studies are needed to understand the specific, long-term effects of perinatal choline and docosahexaenoic acid intake in various contexts.

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