The role of polar lipids in brain and cognitive development - Dr. Pascal Steiner

Early childhood is an important and dynamic period of brain development. Throughout this period, nearly all cognitive and behavioral functions begin to emerge, and the foundation for later scholastic success is set up. During this period, rapid brain growth and maturation, with processes such as myelination, synaptogenesis, neurovascularization and later on synaptic pruning give rise to mature and efficient brain networks and systems. Studies show that early feeding practice and nutrition play a fundamental role in establishing optimal brain and cognitive development. Polar lipids are of interest due to their presence in the brain, in breast milk and some emerging science on the link between their dietary intake and an impact on brain and cognitive outcomes in infants and young children. One of our main missions is to better understand such interplay between intake and impact. The talk focuses on how the brain develops, how it connects and the role of polar lipids.