The influence of neonatal nutrition on behavioral development: A critical appraisal

Specific nutrients appear to modify the metabolism of neurotransmitters, wh ich are endogenous regulators of neurogenesis, neural migration, and synapt ogenesis during both embryonic and early postnatal life. This has led to th e question of whether, by affecting neurotransmission, malnutrition during the early neonatal period affects behavioral development. The literature ba sed on animal models suggests that nutrient deficiencies during early life influence neurotransmission and, in some instances, also affect behavioral outcomes. A clear answer to the question, however, remains elusive. This ca n be attributed to the complexity of the process of brain development, wher e changes at a cellular level may not necessarily translate into changes at a behavioral level. Future investigations in this important area of resear ch should work toward refinement of the design of behavioral experiments so that these studies can contribute to the understanding of the putative mec hanisms involved.