Micronutrients of Importance in the First 1000 Days of Children’s Cognitive Development for Sustainable Educational and Career Development

Abstract

The paper reviewed the micronutrients that are required for cognitive development in the first 1000 days of life which refers to the period from conception of a child to the second birthday. Cognitive development refers to the growth and progression of children’s ability to learn, reason, think and solve problems. During this period, the brain undergoes rapid development that is dependent on adequate nutrition, particularly micronutrients which include iron, iodine, zinc, folates, Vitamin B12 and Vitamin A among other dietary components. Micronutrients are crucial for children's cognitive development because they give structural and functional advantages to the brain and central nervous system during their formative years. The deficiency or inadequate consumption of these micronutrients especially during the critical stage of brain formation, could lead to structural and functional damage to the brain and delayed or non-acquisition of cognitive competencies needed for future educational and career successes. Brain deformation arising from micronutrient deficiency may be reversible or permanent. Micronutrient deficiencies could be prevented through adequate consumption of micronutrients during pregnancy, exclusive breastfeeding in the first six months of life and introduction of adequate complementary feeding with varieties and fortified foods after six months with continued breastfeeding for 2 years of the child’s life and good nutrition knowledge of mothers through Nutrition Education. It is recommended that pregnant women should be exposed to knowledge of adequate infant and childhood nutrition, care and practices that promote micronutrient intake for mothers and child