Neurons are like “wires” of the brain. They form connections with thousands of other neurons, making an immense network of over a trillion connections. As your child grows, these connections become much more elaborate and efficient, allowing for massive amounts of information processing and development of cognitive, motor, language, and problem-solving skills. This helps your child learn all kinds of things, from a new word to a new song.

How Brain Development Connects to Nutrition

Proper nutrition, sleep, and exercise as well as mental stimulation (playing, reading, singing, talking) are key to your child’s brain and cognitive development. A nutritious diet lays the groundwork for healthy brain development and a strong immune system. Zinc, Iron, Vitamin A, Vitamin E, Vitamin B6, and Vitamin B12 are just some of the nutrients that your child needs for growth.
Zinc
Important for immune system function, sense of smell and taste, wound healing
Iron
Important for carrying oxygen around the body including the brain
Vitamin E
Supports the immune system, and protects cells against damage as it is an antioxidant
Vitamin A
Important for vision, growth, and immune function
Vitamin B6
Plays a role in cognitive development and immune function
Vitamin B12
Important for neurons and function of the central nervous system

- Brain Development:
–– Internal Nutrition Science and Neuroscience Team (Neeraj Pandey; Salma Abdelmagid)
––Enfagrow Singapore website: https://www.enfagrow.com.sg/development/child-3-till-6/milestones/brain-development-3-5-years


- Neurons: https://www.ninds.nih.gov/health-information/patient-caregiver-education/brain-basics-life-and-death-neuron#:~:text=Neurons%20are%20information%20messengers.,rest%20of%20the%20nervous%20system
- Zinc: Zinc | Nutrition | CDC
- Iron: Iron | Nutrition | CDC
- Vitamin E: Vitamin E - Health Professional Fact Sheet (nih.gov)
- Vitamin A: Vitamin A - Mayo Clinic
- Vitamin B12: Vitamin B12 - Consumer (nih.gov)
- Vitamin B6: Vitamin B6 - Consumer (nih.gov)