NIH Highlighted Topic: Understanding Nutritional Influences on Neurodevelopmental Disorders in Children
Introduction
Background
There remains a poor understanding of the role and impact of nutrition in both the etiology, treatment and progression of neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs), including autism. Diet and nutrition in early-life is thought to have profound influences on neurodevelopment. Research focused on the role of nutrition in the early neurodevelopment, the impact of nutrition and dietary patterns in developmental trajectories, and the interaction between early-life environmental exposures and diet/nutrition in NDDs is urgently needed.
Purpose
The purpose of this topic is to encourage innovative multidisciplinary research focused on the interrelationship between nutrition and NDDs during gestation and early childhood.
High priority research areas include but are not limited to:
- Understanding the role of diet and nutritional status (both maternal and child) in the etiology of pediatric NDDs, including autism
- Understanding the role of lactation and human milk exposure in the etiology of pediatric NDDs, including autism
- Examining interactions between maternal and child environmental exposures and prenatal/early-life nutrition/diet in the context of early neurodevelopment, including contributions to prevention and promotion of pediatric NDDs
- Determining what special considerations above and beyond the provision of a well-balanced diet are necessary to provide children with NDDs all the essential nutrients for growth, development, and health
- Determining whether there are specific physical, behavioral, or environmental factors that must be overcome to ensure that children with NDDs obtain and consume an adequate diet
- Understanding whether a NDD has metabolic consequences that might directly impact a child’s nutritional status, growth, and development, and how a child’s nutritional status may impact NDD severity/endophenotype
- Identifying the potential for NDD treatments (including pharmacological interventions) to affect the nutritional status of children with NDDs
- Interrogating the effects of environmental chemicals in essential foods (human milk and infant formula) in the context of neurodevelopment, including interactions with other nutrients
We aim to accelerate research to better elucidate the relationship between nutrition and NDDs – ranging from pathogenesis to treatment. We encourage participation from experts across a variety of disciplines, including nutrition, neurodevelopment, toxicology, risk analysis, behavioral and social science, infant and child development, chemistry, and chronic disease research.
See more information here, including participating NIH Institutes/Centers and their specific interests relating to the Highlighted Topic.
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Please contact Dr. Karen Cielo, Director of Research Development, if you are interested in applying or would like to discuss the opportunity.