#ChildHealthMatters
#DevelopingBrain from 18 days post conception to early childhood is surreal
#First1000Days = critical for a lifespan of health + wealth of society
Let us marvel at some key facts on Developing Brain (Source: @UNICEF 'Building Better Brains: @TheLancet ) 1/n
#DevelopingBrain from 18 days post conception to early childhood is surreal
#First1000Days = critical for a lifespan of health + wealth of society
Let us marvel at some key facts on Developing Brain (Source: @UNICEF 'Building Better Brains: @TheLancet ) 1/n
The blueprint of the human brain includes 86 billion neurons and around one quadrillion synapses (which enable neural connections), coded in only 10,000 genes (Herculano–Houzel, 2009)
During the first years of life, neurons form new connections at an astounding rate of 700 to 1,000 per second (Shonkoff, 2009). Not even a viral tweet from the Oscars moves that quickly
87% of brain weight is acquired by 3 years of age (1,100 grams; Dekaban, 1978)
At 3 years of age, a child’s brain is twice as active as an adult brain (Brotherson, 2009)
By the age of 7, neuroplasticity plummets to about 50 per cent of earlier levels (Nelson, 2000)
At 3 years of age, a child’s brain is twice as active as an adult brain (Brotherson, 2009)
By the age of 7, neuroplasticity plummets to about 50 per cent of earlier levels (Nelson, 2000)
Developing brain is an energy hog!
50–75% of energy consumption in the first few years of life is allocated to brain development (Steen, 2007).
50–75% of energy consumption in the first few years of life is allocated to brain development (Steen, 2007).
The genes provide blueprint (nature)
Nutrition and Safe and stimulating environment (Nurture) ensure the developing brain achieves its potential
Nutrition and Safe and stimulating environment (Nurture) ensure the developing brain achieves its potential
Nutrition starts preconception - and spans the first three years: while a lot can be said on several components, it may suffice to note if today Iron, Zinc and Iodine deficiency were to be wiped out of the planet: The future world's IQ would jump by 10 points!
Developing brain is an energy hog!
50–75% of energy consumption in the first few years of life is allocated to brain development (Steen, 2007)
50–75% of energy consumption in the first few years of life is allocated to brain development (Steen, 2007)
87% of brain weight is acquired by 3 years of age (1,100 grams; Dekaban, 1978)
At 3 years of age, a child’s brain is twice as active as an adult brain (Brotherson, 2009)
By the age of 7, neuroplasticity plummets to about 50 per cent of earlier levels (Nelson, 2000)
At 3 years of age, a child’s brain is twice as active as an adult brain (Brotherson, 2009)
By the age of 7, neuroplasticity plummets to about 50 per cent of earlier levels (Nelson, 2000)
The genes provide blueprint (nature)
Nutrition and Safe and stimulating environment (Nurture) ensure the developing brain achieves its potential
Nutrition and Safe and stimulating environment (Nurture) ensure the developing brain achieves its potential
Nutrition: a lot can be said, but for starters, if today Iron, Zinc and Iodine deficiency were to be wiped out of the planet: The future world's IQ would jump by 10 points!
Nutrition is 1 of 3 components of Nurture;
2nd one - avoiding toxic and inflammatory processes:
infection, malnutrition, neglect, abuse: Rife in the vulnerable at the edges of society
3rd: Nurturing and secure attachment (with a parent/caregiver)
2nd one - avoiding toxic and inflammatory processes:
infection, malnutrition, neglect, abuse: Rife in the vulnerable at the edges of society
3rd: Nurturing and secure attachment (with a parent/caregiver)
Neuroception: is the brain's ability to sense threats or safety: Perception of threat - diverts nutritients and energy away from developing brain, body enters a recurrent flight/fight/fright mode: Cortisol surges - toxic to developing brain
Secure, enriching, emotional interaction is what a developing brain is anticipating - to fire those connections 1000 per second! This is a 'critical window' = if it is missed, its gone for ever (Decision making, IQ, regulating attention...so on)
This is also the basis for the 'Heckman Curve' of ROI on investment we make to foster this trajectory 
Global focus should be drawn to #First1000Days.
At an individual family/parent level: Think! When a handheld device is your childminder- her brain was trying to fire up 1000 synaptic connections a minute, it was expecting an age appropriate secure social interaction. n/n
At an individual family/parent level: Think! When a handheld device is your childminder- her brain was trying to fire up 1000 synaptic connections a minute, it was expecting an age appropriate secure social interaction. n/n
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