Malnutrition and the microbiome as modifiers of early neurodevelopment

Malnutrition refers to a dearth, excess, or altered differential ratios of calories, macronutrients, or micronutrients. Malnutrition, particularly during early life, is a pressing global health and socioeconomic burden that is increasingly associated with neurodevelopmental impairments. Understanding how perinatal malnutrition influences brain development is crucial to uncovering fundamental mechanisms for establishing behavioral neurocircuits, with the potential to inform public policy and clinical interventions for neurodevelopmental conditions. Recent studies reveal that the gut microbiome can mediate dietary effects on host physiology and that the microbiome modulates the development and function of the nervous system. This review discusses evidence that perinatal malnutrition alters brain development and examines the maternal and neonatal microbiome as a factor.

Automated summary

Malnutrition, especially during early life, is a global health and socioeconomic burden that is increasingly linked to neurodevelopmental impairments. Recent studies show that the gut microbiome can influence host physiology and nervous system development, emphasizing the impact of malnutrition on brain development and the role of the maternal and neonatal microbiome in this process.