How Does My Kid's Brain Develop? Separating facts from myths

Watch Dr. Pawan Mandaviya talk about how Nutrition affects brain development in children

Dr. Pawan Mandaviya emphasizes that a child’s brain and cognitive development takes place at its own pace. The key focus for parents should be ensuring steady progress, rather than comparing who reaches a milestone first.

Core Factors and Developmental Triggers

Optimal development is founded upon three continuous factors: genetics (the child's blueprint), the environment (the necessary triggers), and nutrition (the continuous, real fuel).

The environment must provide various triggers to spark different parts of the brain:

• Visual/Spatial: Reading books, solving puzzles, and playing with blocks improve problem-solving skills.
• Auditory/Language: Daily conversation, singing, and storytelling form vocabulary and aid in speech development. Storytelling at bedtime is highly beneficial as it lights up various brain connections (the wiring between brain cells).
• Fine Motor: Writing, painting, and eating develop the small muscles of the hand and improve hand-eye coordination.

DHA: The Essential Fuel for Cognitive and Eye Development

Dr. Pawan stresses that proper nutrition is the continuous, real fuel required for the body and brain to work efficiently. He clarifies that giving just multivitamins as supplements is a myth and a fad; a single pill or gummy cannot replace a balanced diet. A balanced diet provides essential nutrients, including carbohydrates, proteins, and healthy fats.

He identifies several neuronutrients essential for optimum brain, cognitive, and eye development. Among these, DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), an omega-3 fatty acid, is highlighted as one of the most important neuronutrients. Other vital components include choline, iodine, iron, and various vitamins (A, D, B6, B12).