Key Milestones in Brain Development During Early Life 

Around 22 days after conception, neural plates begin to fold inward, forming the neural tube, which gradually develops into the brain and spinal cord. This process requires folic acid, copper, and vitamin A. By the seventh week of pregnancy, cell division begins within the neural tube, leading to the formation of a complete nervous system through five key processes: 

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1. Neurogenesis (Gray Matter Formation)

This process starts around week 7 of pregnancy and accelerates until 4–5 months after birth, then continues at a slower pace until adulthood. 

2. Axon and Dendrite Growth (Gray Matter) 

Axons begin growing from week 7 of pregnancy and continue developing for at least 2 years after birth. In some brain regions, axons fully develop between weeks 15 and 32 of pregnancy. Dendrites start forming around week 15 and complete their growth by age 2. 

3. Synapse Formation and Refinement

Synapses begin forming around week 23 of pregnancy and continue throughout life. The density of synapses peaks at different times depending on the brain region. For example, the visual cortex peaks between months 4–12, while the prefrontal cortex peaks around month 15. Synaptic pruning occurs simultaneously to eliminate faulty connections and continues into adulthood.

4. Myelination

Myelination is the process of forming white matter around axons to speed up neural transmission. It begins between weeks 12–14 of pregnancy and continues into adulthood. The most intense phase occurs from mid-pregnancy to age 2. Before birth, myelination is strongest in brain regions responsible for orientation and balance; after birth, it focuses on hearing, vision, and language development.

5. Programmed Cell Death (Apoptosis)

This process eliminates defective or harmful neurons and occurs from pregnancy through adulthood. It is regulated by neurotrophic factors such as BDNF (Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor) and IGF-1 (Insulin-Like Growth Factor-1). 

Essential Nutrient Groups for Brain Development During Pregnancy

 1. Folic Acid, Copper, and Vitamin A

This group includes folic acid (vitamin B9), copper, and vitamin A—key nutrients that support the differentiation and development of neural tissue from the neural plate into the neural tube, which later forms the central nervous system. This process occurs early, between weeks 4–7 of pregnancy. 
Food sources:

  • Folic acid: liver, egg yolk, legumes, whole grains, cruciferous vegetables, bananas, oranges.
  • Copper: meat, eggs, dairy, seafood.
  • Vitamin A: milk, liver, eggs, fish.

2. B-Complex Vitamins

B vitamins such as B1 (thiamine), B2 (riboflavin), B3 (niacin/niacinamide), B5 (pantothenic acid), B6 (pyridoxine and its derivatives), B7 (biotin), B9 (folic acid), and B12 (cobalamins) play a vital role in neural stem cell proliferation, neuron and glial cell development, and synaptic formation in the cerebral cortex and cerebellum. They also support myelin synthesis. 
Food sources: whole grains, brown rice, leafy greens, eggs, chicken, citrus fruits, nuts (peanuts, cashews, walnuts), large red beans, bananas. Vitamin B5 is found in most foods.

3. High-Protein and Energy-Rich Nutrition

Adequate protein and energy intake helps prevent fetal protein-energy malnutrition, which can reduce neuron count, axon and dendrite growth, synaptic density, and cortical gray matter. It also affects myelination and the production of neurotrophic factors like BDNF and IGF-1. 
Food sources: meat, eggs, fish, dairy products, nuts, legumes, sweet and fatty vegetables.

4. Long-Chain Unsaturated Fatty Acids

Includes DHA (Docosahexaenoic Acid), ARA (Arachidonic Acid), and Omega 3-6-9 fatty acids. These are essential for synthesizing membrane phospholipids, which are key components of cell membranes, synapses, and myelin structure. 
Food sources: milk, seafood, fish oils, eggs, beans, nuts.

5. Iron

Iron is crucial for synthesizing ribonucleotide reductase, an enzyme that regulates central nervous system cell division. Iron deficiency may lead to reduced brain size, shorter axons and dendrites in the hippocampus, and impaired learning, orientation, and long-term memory. It also affects synaptic transmission and myelin synthesis. 
Food sources: milk, eggs, fish, seafood, meat, liver, whole grains, legumes, dark leafy greens.

6. Iodine

Iodine supports the synthesis of hormones that regulate central nervous system development. Deficiency increases the risk of stillbirth, congenital hypothyroidism, reduced brain weight, impaired myelination, and decreased synaptic branching in visual-auditory regions and the cerebellum. 
Food sources: spinach, celery, seafood, sea salt, iodized salt, eggs.

7. Zinc

Zinc is essential for DNA synthesis and cell division, and it is a component of many enzymes involved in brain function. Zinc deficiency can reduce neuron count and mass in the cerebellum, limbic system, and cortex, impair dendritic branching, and limit growth hormone activity. 
Food sources: milk, eggs, fish, meat, whole grains, legumes.

8. Choline

Choline promotes neural stem cell proliferation, stimulates neuron division, and serves as a precursor for neurotransmitters. It also regulates programmed cell death. Choline deficiency during pregnancy can cause irreversible developmental issues. 
Food sources: milk, eggs, fish, meat, liver, seafood, legumes, vegetables.

Dr. Nguyễn Vũ Linh – Head of Vinamilk Nutrition Center 
 

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