Summary
This narrative review synthesises evidence linking nutritional status and gut microbiota composition to childhood brain development and behavioural outcomes. The authors examine mechanistic pathways through which dietary quality influences the microbiota-gut-brain axis during critical developmental windows, integrating findings from clinical, observational and experimental studies to inform understanding of how early nutrition shapes neurodevelopment.
UK applicability
The findings are applicable to UK paediatric practice and nutrition policy, particularly regarding early-life dietary recommendations and the microbiota's role in neurodevelopmental disorders. However, UK-specific validation and investigation of whether microbiota-guided nutrition interventions improve outcomes in British populations would strengthen clinical translation.
Key measures
Microbiota diversity and composition (alpha/beta diversity), nutrient biomarkers, developmental quotients, behavioural assessment scales, neuroimaging markers where available
Outcomes reported
The study examined associations between nutritional intake, gut microbiota profiles and measures of cognitive development, behaviour and neurological function in childhood populations. Outcomes likely included microbiota diversity metrics, developmental screening scores, and behavioural assessment tools.
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