Publications

The importance of maternal health during pregnancy is well-established, and a recent study highlights its impact on a child’s neurodevelopment. The study found that maternal body composition may have a significant impact on the child's neurodevelopment, with positive outcomes for 2-year–old children born to mothers with no gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and/or obesity. The study also explored the negative association between maternal body fat composition and neurodevelopment in children. Further, it also reveals a link between maternal diet quality, nutrient intake during pregnancy, and children’s language skills. The study lays a special emphasis on modulating maternal body composition and diet during pregnancy to improve children's neurodevelopment.

A recent study explored the effectiveness of dietary supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids during pregnancy. According to the study, enrichment of the maternal diet with omega dietary supplements increases long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid (LC-PUFA) levels, especially docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), by 1.18 and 1.37 times, respectively, as compared to non-supplemented mothers. Long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids can penetrate the umbilical cord, thereby significantly increasing the levels of EPA and DHA in the blood of developing neonates. Further, the study adds to the understanding that maternal omega-3 supplementation reduces the n-6/n-3 PUFA ratio, which can improve maternal and neonatal outcomes, thus reducing the risk of preterm birth. Hence, it is essential to increase the awareness and accessibility of LC-PUFA–rich foods and supplements in pregnant women without apprehension of methylmercury contamination. These findings provide insights into shaping future recommendations for pregnant women, with careful consideration of dosage and duration of supplementation.

A recent study explored the relationship between early-life gut microbiota and neurodevelopment in mice. This study suggests that exposure to antibiotics during early life can change the gut microbiota, leading to a subtle but long-lasting impact on the gut–brain–immune axis. Antibiotic-induced gut microbial depletion has a sex- and time-dependent effect on circulating immune cells. Furthermore, even brief exposure to antibiotics in early life can have a significant effect on the composition and structure of the developing gut microbiota, reducing its diversity and changing the abundance of certain microorganisms, potentially impacting behaviour, neuroimmune function, and neurodevelopment. To promote positive neurodevelopmental and behavioural outcomes in later life, it is essential to maintain gut microbial diversity and stability during the critical window of early life. These findings highlight the importance of careful consideration when administering antibiotics and lay the groundwork for developing strategies to support a healthy gut microbiome in early life.