Blacks Article
After reading Maureen M. Black's article on the effects of vitamin B12 and folate deficiency on brain development in children, I have gained a deeper understanding of the critical role that these vitamins play in early childhood brain development. The article discusses the negative consequences of vitamin B12 and folate deficiencies on the developing brain, such as abnormal behavior, cognitive impairment, and depression in adulthood. It is supported by other researchers like Venkatramanan et al. (2016) who have found the same.
One of my 'aha' moments from the reading was the relationship between myelination and vitamin B12 and folate deficiencies. Myelin, a fatty substance that covers nerve fibers in the brain, plays a critical role in brain development, and deficiencies in vitamin B12 and folate can disrupt the formation of myelin. This can lead to long-term cognitive and behavioral problems in children.
Another takeaway from the article is the importance of timing when it comes to vitamin deficiencies. The periconceptional period, which refers to the time right before and after conception, is a crucial period for vitamin B12 and folate intake. Deficiencies during this period can have serious and long-lasting effects on the developing brain.
Based on my understanding of the article, I will make some nutritional lifestyle changes to ensure that I am getting enough vitamin B12 and folate. I will incorporate more vitamin B12-rich foods such as eggs, dairy products, and seafood, and increase my intake of folate-rich foods such as leafy greens, citrus fruits, and beans. I will also consider taking a multivitamin or supplement to ensure that I am getting the recommended daily intake of these essential vitamins. I know Im no longer a child, but I think diet choices are still important no matter how old we are.
Suffice to say, this article has highlighted the critical role that nutrition plays in early childhood brain development and the potential long-term consequences of vitamin deficiencies. I think that by making some nutritional lifestyle changes, I can optimize my own brain health and encourage others to do the same.
References
Black, M. M. (2008). Effects of vitamin B12 and folate deficiency on brain development in
children.Food and nutrition bulletin,29(2_suppl1), S126-S131.
Venkatramanan, S., Armata, I. E., Strupp, B. J., & Finkelstein, J. L. (2016). Vitamin B-12 and
cognition in children.Advances in nutrition,7(5), 879-888.
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