Nutrients like the alpha-lactalbumin in breast milk
A child's health for his entire life is pretty much mapped out in the first 1,000 days - from conception to two years.
That’s when the physical brain itself and most of its cognitive functions expand quickly and dramatically, and when the ability to learn depends on getting the right nutrients.
Alpha-lactalbumin, found in breast milk, is a crucial aid in creating the neurotransmitters that allow the brain to operate efficiently, Dr Kesinee Owasith confirmed at a recent talk on “The Journey of the First 1,000 Days of Life” at a Bangkok hotel.
The paediatrician specialising in development and behaviour at the Children’s Development and Learning Centre said nutrition – comprising the five main food groups, clean water and fresh air – is equally important to the parents’ genes and careful nurturing in determining a baby’s health for life.
“The first 1,000 days is the critical time for brain development, since the nerve cells increase in number and produce synapses faster than at any other stage of life,” Kesinee said.
The brain begins to develop just 18 days after conception, she pointed out. From the second to the fourth month up to 200,000 nerve cells are created every minute. By the sixth month the brain structures and functions have already become quite complex and the nerve cells are communicating with one another as a system. That’s why it’s so important to stimulate the infant with lights and by talking. Mothers should try and stay in a good mood, avoid stress and rest well, and fathers should be there to help.
The synapses linking the different portions and functions of the brain have to develop in a healthy, ordered manner if the child is to become a good learner, Kesinee explained. Learning a language, memorisation and fine motor skills depend on it.
After the first 1,000 days the brain has 100 billion neurons and is now growing more slowly. It’s already 75 to 80 per cent of adult size. So those initial three years are the key period to ensure that future development will be smooth, she said.
High-quality protein is essential to build serotonin, the precursor to neurotransmitters and synapses, and this is where alpha-lactalbumin, particularly rich in the essential amino acid tryptophan, is particularly beneficial. Tryptophan is involved in the regulation of neurological behaviour.
“Alpha-lactalbumin is the major protein in breast milk, and research has shown that infants breastfed for six months have better development skills – in behaviour, learning, brain function and emotions,” Dr Kesinee said.
This is another reason why mothers should breastfeed as long as possible, she noted. Alpha-lactalbumin is important in the production of breast milk, but it’s also an essential nutrient for the growth of nerve cells. Mothers who cannot breastfeed should use a powdered milk containing alpha-lactalbumin, along with nutrients like eggs, meat, milk and cheese.
With good nutrition ensured, parents can play their separate roles in stimulating the child’s brain development, guiding him in different supervised activities, continuously practising different skills and providing a caring environment.
How clever a child is can be noticed in his motor skills, hand-eye coordination, attempts to speak, and ability to solve problems. All of these involve numerous, complex brain processes. Once a toddler sings his first song, he’s memorised the melody, tone and words and might even dance and smile at his “audience” as well.
