Nutrition and the Brain: Nutrition and the Brain: Nutrient Priorities and Nutrient Priorities and Measurement Measurement Michael K. Georgieff, M.D. Michael K. Georgieff, M.D. Professor of Pediatrics and Child Professor of Pediatrics and Child Development Development Director, Center for Neurobehavioral Director, Center for Neurobehavioral Development Development Head, Section of Neonatology Head, Section of Neonatology University of Minnesota University of Minnesota
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Nutrition and the Brain: Nutrient Priorities and Measurement Michael K. Georgieff, M.D. Professor of Pediatrics and Child Development Director, Center.
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Nutrition and the Brain: Nutrient Nutrition and the Brain: Nutrient Priorities and MeasurementPriorities and Measurement
Michael K. Georgieff, M.D.Michael K. Georgieff, M.D.
Professor of Pediatrics and Child DevelopmentProfessor of Pediatrics and Child Development
Director, Center for Neurobehavioral Director, Center for Neurobehavioral DevelopmentDevelopment
Head, Section of NeonatologyHead, Section of Neonatology
University of MinnesotaUniversity of Minnesota
ObjectivesObjectives
Identify nutrients in the neonatal period that are Identify nutrients in the neonatal period that are particularly important for brain developmentparticularly important for brain development
Understand which brain regions and processes are Understand which brain regions and processes are particularly vulnerable to fetal/neonatal malnutritionparticularly vulnerable to fetal/neonatal malnutrition
Understand the array of clinical tests that assess global Understand the array of clinical tests that assess global and specific brain functions in the neonate and young and specific brain functions in the neonate and young childchild
For recent reviews of all topics in this talk see:For recent reviews of all topics in this talk see: Georgieff MK. Nutrition and the Developing Brain: Nutrient Priorities and Management. Am Georgieff MK. Nutrition and the Developing Brain: Nutrient Priorities and Management. Am
J Clin Nutr, 85:614S-620S, 2007J Clin Nutr, 85:614S-620S, 2007 Fugelstad A, Rao R, Georgieff MK. The Role of Nutrition in Cognitive Development. In Fugelstad A, Rao R, Georgieff MK. The Role of Nutrition in Cognitive Development. In
Handbook in Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience.Handbook in Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience. (2 (2ndnd Edition) Cambridge, MA: MIT Edition) Cambridge, MA: MIT Press, 2008; pp.623-641.Press, 2008; pp.623-641.
I have nothing to disclose and no I have nothing to disclose and no conflicts of interestconflicts of interest
– RequirementsRequirements– StudiesStudies– Assessment of Nutrient StatusAssessment of Nutrient Status
» BrainBrain» Total BodyTotal Body
Assessment of the Premature BrainAssessment of the Premature Brain– Available toolsAvailable tools– Fit to NutrientsFit to Nutrients
Early Nutrition and Brain Development:Early Nutrition and Brain Development:General PrinciplesGeneral Principles
NutrientsNutrients and and Growth FactorsGrowth Factors regulate regulate brain development during prenatal and brain development during prenatal and postnatal lifepostnatal life
Rapidly growing brain Rapidly growing brain – more vulnerable to damage more vulnerable to damage – more amenable to repair more amenable to repair
following nutritional perturbationsfollowing nutritional perturbations
““Vulnerability outweighs Plasticity”Vulnerability outweighs Plasticity” (NIH, in 1994 RFA)(NIH, in 1994 RFA)
Early Nutrition and Brain Development:Early Nutrition and Brain Development:General PrinciplesGeneral Principles
Nutrient deficiencies may cause negative effects Nutrient deficiencies may cause negative effects or no effects (head sparing)or no effects (head sparing)
Nutrient overabundance/supplementation may Nutrient overabundance/supplementation may produce positive, negative or no effectsproduce positive, negative or no effects
What happens is based on…What happens is based on…
Timing, Dose and DurationTiming, Dose and DurationKretchmer, Beard, Carlson Kretchmer, Beard, Carlson
(AJCN, 1996)(AJCN, 1996)
Nutrients with Particularly Large Effects Nutrients with Particularly Large Effects on Early Brain Developmenton Early Brain Development
MacronutrientsMacronutrients– Protein-EnergyProtein-Energy– Specific fats (e.g. LC-PUFAs)Specific fats (e.g. LC-PUFAs)
If a nutrient affects the brain, does it affect behavior?If a nutrient affects the brain, does it affect behavior? How close is the linkage?How close is the linkage?
– For each nutrient?For each nutrient?
– For each time period of development?For each time period of development?
Is the effectIs the effect– Transient (only during deficiency)=> acute dysfunctionTransient (only during deficiency)=> acute dysfunction
– Long-term (beyond time of deficiency)=>altered Long-term (beyond time of deficiency)=>altered developmental trajectorydevelopmental trajectory
What is happening in theWhat is happening in the brain during this time period? brain during this time period?
Fetus Late Infancy/Toddler Pubertal
ProteinProtein
Why the Brain Needs ProteinWhy the Brain Needs Protein
DNA, RNA synthesis and maintenanceDNA, RNA synthesis and maintenance Neurotransmitter production (synaptic Neurotransmitter production (synaptic
IUGR Outcomes: Human StudiesIUGR Outcomes: Human Studies(Reviewed in Fuglestad et al, 2008; Handbook of Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience; MIT Press)(Reviewed in Fuglestad et al, 2008; Handbook of Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience; MIT Press)
–6.8 point IQ deficit at 7 years (6.8 point IQ deficit at 7 years (Strauss & Dietz, 1998Strauss & Dietz, 1998))
–dose response based on degree of IUGRdose response based on degree of IUGR
–15% with mild neurodevelopmental 15% with mild neurodevelopmental abnormalitiesabnormalities
Compounded by postnatal growth failure Compounded by postnatal growth failure (prenatal + postnatal malnutrition) ((prenatal + postnatal malnutrition) (Casey et al, 2006; Casey et al, 2006;
Pylipow et al, 2009Pylipow et al, 2009))
Protein Status: Protein Status: Assessment in the NeonateAssessment in the Neonate
Brain ProteinBrain Protein– OFC (sensitive to severe malnutrition)OFC (sensitive to severe malnutrition)– MRI volumetrics (gray matter)MRI volumetrics (gray matter)
Total Body ProteinTotal Body ProteinLong-termLong-term
» Length; Linear Growth TrajectoryLength; Linear Growth Trajectory
» Lean Body Mass (MAMC; DEXA; Air Plethysmography)Lean Body Mass (MAMC; DEXA; Air Plethysmography)
– Abnormal behavior including visual speed of processingAbnormal behavior including visual speed of processing Suspected effects on fetal and neonatal brain Suspected effects on fetal and neonatal brain
– SynaptogenesisSynaptogenesis Additional effects may include cell signalingAdditional effects may include cell signaling Unknown: how much deficiency gives behavioral effectsUnknown: how much deficiency gives behavioral effects
LC-PUFAs and Mental DevelopmentLC-PUFAs and Mental Development
Effect size: preterms > termsEffect size: preterms > terms Outcome studies are short term Outcome studies are short term
– Generally gross (MDI) and not generally predictive of later functionGenerally gross (MDI) and not generally predictive of later function
Long term studies underway; early acceleration may Long term studies underway; early acceleration may result inresult in– No long term advantage (most likely)No long term advantage (most likely)
– Permanent advantagePermanent advantage
Conclusion- Studies are underpowered re: long-term Conclusion- Studies are underpowered re: long-term efficacyefficacy
» Best way to assess LC-PUFA status ( S Innis, Pediatric Research, 1995)Best way to assess LC-PUFA status ( S Innis, Pediatric Research, 1995)
Body FatBody FatLong-termLong-term
» Weight Gain; Body proportionality (W/L)Weight Gain; Body proportionality (W/L)» Skinfold thickness; Arm Fat AreaSkinfold thickness; Arm Fat Area» DEXA; Air PlethysmographyDEXA; Air Plethysmography
Why does the Brain Need Iron?Why does the Brain Need Iron?
EnergyEnergy– Iron found in cytochromes that make ATPIron found in cytochromes that make ATP–Brain energy (ATP) utilization high in fetus and Brain energy (ATP) utilization high in fetus and
neonateneonate NeurotransmittersNeurotransmitters
– Iron needed to make dopamine, serotonin, Iron needed to make dopamine, serotonin, norepinephrinenorepinephrine
MyelinMyelin– Iron containing enzymes to make fatty acids in Iron containing enzymes to make fatty acids in
myelinmyelin
Iron: What Can Negatively Affect Iron: What Can Negatively Affect Neonatal Brain Iron Status?Neonatal Brain Iron Status?
Maternal AnemiaMaternal Anemia
– Fetus with very iron deficient mother (Hgb<8.5)Fetus with very iron deficient mother (Hgb<8.5)
– Common (>30%) in developing countries (Common (>30%) in developing countries (WHO reportWHO report)) Intrauterine Growth RestrictionIntrauterine Growth Restriction
– Usually due to maternal hypertension (Usually due to maternal hypertension (Georgieff et al, 1995Georgieff et al, 1995)) Diabetes Mellitus in PregnancyDiabetes Mellitus in Pregnancy
– Pre-existing or Gestational (Pre-existing or Gestational (Georgieff et al, 1990Georgieff et al, 1990)) Maternal Smoking in Pregnancy Maternal Smoking in Pregnancy PrematurityPrematurity
– [Reduced iron accretion + phlebotomy ]- [transfusion + [Reduced iron accretion + phlebotomy ]- [transfusion + intake]intake]
PerinatalPerinatal Iron Deficiency: Human Outcomes Iron Deficiency: Human Outcomes
Behavioral abnormalitiesBehavioral abnormalities–Poorer recognition memory in newborns Poorer recognition memory in newborns (Siddappa et al, 2004)(Siddappa et al, 2004)
–Poorer school age neurodevelopmentPoorer school age neurodevelopment (Tamura et al, J. Pediatr; (Tamura et al, J. Pediatr; 2002)2002)
– Impaired working memory at 3.5 years after iron Impaired working memory at 3.5 years after iron repletionrepletion ( (Riggins et al, Dev Neuropsych, 2009)Riggins et al, Dev Neuropsych, 2009)
–Abnormal neurologic reflexes in premies at 36 week Abnormal neurologic reflexes in premies at 36 week PCAPCA (Armady-Sivan, et al, J Perinatol, 2004).(Armady-Sivan, et al, J Perinatol, 2004).
Mom: “Hi Baby”
Stranger: “Hi Baby”
Event Related Potentials (ERPs) in NewbornsEvent Related Potentials (ERPs) in Newborns
Iron Sufficient Iron Deficient
Siddappa et al., 2004, Pediatr. Res.
Assessment of Iron StatusAssessment of Iron Status(For review, see JL Beard et (For review, see JL Beard et al, al, Lab Med, 38:103-108, 2007)
Brain IronBrain Iron– No direct measuresNo direct measures
– Newborn Serum Ferritin < 35 mcg/L = brain iron deficiencyNewborn Serum Ferritin < 35 mcg/L = brain iron deficiency
Body IronBody Iron– Hemoglobin, MCVHemoglobin, MCV
– Zn or free erythrocyte protoporphyrinZn or free erythrocyte protoporphyrin
– Serum ferritin (measures iron stores)Serum ferritin (measures iron stores)
Anemia is a Anemia is a LATELATE sign of ID. Brain is already affected! sign of ID. Brain is already affected!
Why the Brain Needs ZincWhy the Brain Needs Zinc
Interacts with DNA (zinc finger proteins)Interacts with DNA (zinc finger proteins) Needed for growth factor (IGF-1 and GH) synthesisNeeded for growth factor (IGF-1 and GH) synthesis Important for neurotransmitter releaseImportant for neurotransmitter release Autonomic nervous system developmentAutonomic nervous system development Development of hippocampus (learning and memory)Development of hippocampus (learning and memory)
Zinc Deficiency: Who is at Risk?Zinc Deficiency: Who is at Risk?
Offspring of Zn deficient mothersOffspring of Zn deficient mothers Protein malnourished infantsProtein malnourished infants Infants on prolonged TPN with inadequate Zn intakeInfants on prolonged TPN with inadequate Zn intake Short bowel/ malabsorption conditionsShort bowel/ malabsorption conditions
Zinc Deficiency: Human StudiesZinc Deficiency: Human Studies
Fetuses of zinc deficient mothers demonstrate:Fetuses of zinc deficient mothers demonstrate:
Circuit Specific Assessment of Nutrient Circuit Specific Assessment of Nutrient Effects on the Premature BrainEffects on the Premature Brain
Limitations to Neurologic Assessment & Limitations to Neurologic Assessment & Developmental Prediction in the PrematureDevelopmental Prediction in the Premature
– HR, BP response to stressor-ANS stabilityHR, BP response to stressor-ANS stability– ABR/ERG latency- speed of processing ABR/ERG latency- speed of processing (Birch et al, 1992)(Birch et al, 1992)
– ERP (functional EEG)- recognition memoryERP (functional EEG)- recognition memory (deRegnier et al, 2000) (deRegnier et al, 2000)
– Diffusion Tensor Imaging to assess myelinated tracts Diffusion Tensor Imaging to assess myelinated tracts (Huppi et al, 2005)(Huppi et al, 2005)
Assessments and At Risk NutrientsAssessments and At Risk Nutrients What can you diagnose with what you can measure?What can you diagnose with what you can measure?
ASSESSMENTASSESSMENT BRAIN AREABRAIN AREA RISK NUTRIENT(S)RISK NUTRIENT(S)
Assessments and At Risk NutrientsAssessments and At Risk Nutrients What can you diagnose with what you can measure?What can you diagnose with what you can measure?
ASSESSMENTASSESSMENT BRAIN AREABRAIN AREA RISK NUTRIENT(S)RISK NUTRIENT(S)
Functional Assessments in Year 1: Functional Assessments in Year 1: Beyond the BayleyBeyond the Bayley
The 12 month Bayley is a general assessment with poor The 12 month Bayley is a general assessment with poor predictive capacity for year 7 IQpredictive capacity for year 7 IQ
– Easily performed; widely available; used in nutritional trials (e.g. LC-PUFA)Easily performed; widely available; used in nutritional trials (e.g. LC-PUFA)
Specific, significant neuromorbidities can be embedded Specific, significant neuromorbidities can be embedded within a normal Bayley derived DQwithin a normal Bayley derived DQ
Specific nutritionally at-risk brain functions that can be Specific nutritionally at-risk brain functions that can be assessed in year 1:assessed in year 1:
Summary Summary Nutrients and the BrainNutrients and the Brain
Malnutrition can have global or circuit specific Malnutrition can have global or circuit specific effects on the developing braineffects on the developing brain
Effects are based on timing and magnitude of Effects are based on timing and magnitude of nutrient deficit + the brain’s need for the nutrientnutrient deficit + the brain’s need for the nutrient
Some nutrients have “signature” effects on the Some nutrients have “signature” effects on the brainbrain
Summary Summary Assessing Nutritional Effects on BrainAssessing Nutritional Effects on Brain
Key Point: Match nutrient with specific developing brain region Key Point: Match nutrient with specific developing brain region that is dependent on the nutrientthat is dependent on the nutrient
Use specific brain assessments that are sensitive to the nutrient Use specific brain assessments that are sensitive to the nutrient deficiencydeficiency
Testing of specific brain areas can be done at a very young age, Testing of specific brain areas can be done at a very young age, but becomes more reliable as the child ages but becomes more reliable as the child ages
And, remember, nutrition is the one thing in And, remember, nutrition is the one thing in the NICU you can do something about!the NICU you can do something about!
Enhancement Therapies for the Central Enhancement Therapies for the Central Nervous SystemNervous System
If some is good, is more better?If some is good, is more better?
Candidates for “Brain Enhancement”Candidates for “Brain Enhancement”
Docosohexaenoic acid (an LC-PUFA)Docosohexaenoic acid (an LC-PUFA)– As supplementation rather than repletion of As supplementation rather than repletion of
Role of Choline in the BrainRole of Choline in the Brain
Essential nutrient for humansEssential nutrient for humans Substrate for neurotransmitter (acetylcholine)Substrate for neurotransmitter (acetylcholine) Likely has epigenetic effect (methyl donor)Likely has epigenetic effect (methyl donor) Promotes larger neuronal size, more dendritic Promotes larger neuronal size, more dendritic
arborization and greater neuronal signalingarborization and greater neuronal signaling
–Especially in hippocampus (learning and Especially in hippocampus (learning and memory)memory)
Effects of Maternal Choline SupplementationEffects of Maternal Choline Supplementation
Only studies are in animalsOnly studies are in animals Supplementation of choline sufficient rat dams results Supplementation of choline sufficient rat dams results
inin– More advanced hippocampal structural maturationMore advanced hippocampal structural maturation
– Better performance than controls on memory functionBetter performance than controls on memory function
Rare example for “if some is good, more is better”Rare example for “if some is good, more is better” Human studies have started Human studies have started
(For recent reviews, see supplemental issue of Brain Research, October 2008)(For recent reviews, see supplemental issue of Brain Research, October 2008)
Does “Enhancement” Last? Caveats!Does “Enhancement” Last? Caveats!
Many “enrichment” studies are actually “less deficit” Many “enrichment” studies are actually “less deficit” studiesstudies– LC-PUFALC-PUFA
Early environmental enrichment studies in at-risk Early environmental enrichment studies in at-risk humans (e.g. Head Start; IHDP) show wash-out over humans (e.g. Head Start; IHDP) show wash-out over timetime
Neurobehavioral Domain Assessments:Neurobehavioral Domain Assessments: General General
FeFe Spontaneous Spontaneous movement movement (actigraph)(actigraph)
Bayley ratingBayley rating
NB->NB->
>12m>12m
NoneNone
Testing: Beyond Year 2Testing: Beyond Year 2
By age 5, frontal lobes become more testable By age 5, frontal lobes become more testable using CANTAB Neuropsych Batteryusing CANTAB Neuropsych Battery– Strategy switchingStrategy switching
By age 6-8, children can be imaged without By age 6-8, children can be imaged without sedation allowing fMRIsedation allowing fMRI– Working memory (back4)Working memory (back4)