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Have you ever wondered how nutrition affects your baby’s brain growth and development? What specific nutrients play a role in growing a healthy brain?
My interest in this area of research has peaked lately because I am in my third trimester with my first baby and I want to make sure I supply her with everything she needs during this stage of increased brain development as well as after she is born!

Most clinical research on brain development involves studying animals like rats and guinea pigs and how they respond to nutrient deficiencies or increased supplies. Studies on human infants also exist, where specific nutrients are given to preterm or term babies, or brain neuroimaging is used to assess the effects of nutrient deficiencies and replenishment.

Critical brain growth periods exist both before and after birth, when a nutrient deficiency can have a powerful and sometimes irreversible effect. The most rapid period of brain development is during the first twelve months through three years of age. By the age of five, the brain reaches 90% of adult size. This means if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have a young child, you should pay extra attention to include foods, and in some cases, supplements that promote healthy brains!
So, check out this list for 12 Best Nutrients for Babies’ Brains:

Protein – important for normal brain structure, size, and growth, cell specialization and nerve messaging in the brain. Brain gray matter is mostly made up of proteins. Meats, beans, soy, eggs, and fish.
DHA – an omega 3 fatty acid that is THE most abundant fatty acid in the brain and retina. It is involved in the formation of brain synapses and insulation of brain neurons, and supports normal memory function and visual acuity. Cold water fish, fortified foods and supplements.
Choline – may enhance memory and life-long learning. Plays a role in preventing neural tube defects, brain signaling, DNA and nerve insulation production. Eggs, wheat germ, soybeans, milk, peanuts, cauliflower, kale
Vitamin A – vital for developing and sustaining normal vision. Egg yolks, dark green leafies, orange and red veggies and fruits.
Vitamin B6 – necessary for normal central nervous system development and production of specific nerve messengers in the brain, like serotonin, a sleep and mood regulator. Cereals, milk, egg yolk and beans.
Vitamin B12 – deficiency leads to abnormal brain function and irreversible nerve damage. Dairy, meats, eggs.
Vitamin C – important during rapid brain growth periods for antioxidant defense, nerve function and development of spatial memory. Citrus, berries, kiwi, peppers, and tomatoes.
Iron – vital in production of nerve messengers in the brain, nerve insulation, and energy. Affects speed of thought processing, motor skills, recognition and spatial memory. Meats, egg yolks, enriched grains, dark green veggies, dried fruits, dark molasses
Zinc – important for development of areas of the brain and nervous system dealing with attention and memory. Shellfish, meats, beans, milk, wheat bran
Copper – necessary for production of nerve messengers and energy use in brain. Shellfish, nuts, cherries, whole grains, beans
Selenium – part of antioxidant defense and thyroid hormone production affecting brain development and behavior. Grains, onions, meats, milk
Iodine – necessary for thyroid hormone production and normal brain development. Iodized table salt, seafood

Nutrition Tip: Eggs are a great and economical way to feed your child’s brain. The egg yolk is rich in choline, iron, vitamins A, B6, B12, folate, and selenium, and the whites contain high quality protein. For and extra bonus, look for DHA-fortified organic eggs, to add in a good supply of omega-3’s for healthy brains and eyes.