Some metabolites in blood can impact early childhood development: Study

A team of researchers has identified small molecules in the blood that may impact early childhood developmentThe McMaster University team shows how dietary exposures early life experiences and gut health can influence a childs growth and cognitive milestonesThe team collaborated with Brazilian scientists to conduct an untargeted metabolomic analysis of blood samples taken from more than 5000 children between the ages of six months and five years as part of the Brazilian National Survey of Child Nutrition studyThey found several metabolites ndash small molecules that are byproducts of human metabolism and microbial fermentation known as uremic toxins ndash were inversely associated with developmental outcomesMetabolites play important roles in human health especially at early stages of lifeldquoOur findings reveal the complex connections between diet gut health and a childrsquos developmental progressrdquo explained Philip BritzMcKibbin a professor in the Department of Chemistry and Chemical BiologyBy identifying specific metabolites related to a childrsquos overall development we can gain a deeper understanding of how potentially modifiable risk factors might support optimal growth and cognitive development in children he mentioned in the study published in the journal eLifeThe researchers focused on metabolites in the bloodstream that were correlated to early stages of cognitive development using a measure called the Developmental Quotient DQThe World Health Organization uses the measure to determine whether children are meeting ageappropriate milestones in social and cognitive developmentThis approach led to the identification of several bioactive metabolites most often associated with chronic kidney disease suggesting that even a modest increase in their concentrations may contribute to inflammation and developmental delays in early childhoodldquoWhatrsquos interesting is that many of these metabolites are linked to the gutbrain axis suggesting that a healthy gut microbiome could play a critical role in a childs cognitive and social developmentrdquo said BritzMcKibbinThe findings could have farreaching implications offering new possibilities for early identification and intervention of children at risk of developmental delaysThey could also better inform public health policies and early childhood development programs emphasising the importance of maternal nutrition diet quality and breastfeeding practicesThis story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed agencies Midday accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability trustworthiness reliability and data of the text Midday managementmiddaycom reserves the sole right to alter delete or remove without notice the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever