Vitamin deficiencies like the lack of vitamin A in infancy and early birth can cause severe, probably irreversible brain growth retardation. What is noteworthy is that the body’s supply of vitamin A is destroyed during infections. But it’s misleading to think that an oversupply of vitamin A will produce a larger brain or over-intelligence. In certain cases, oversupply of certain vitamins or minerals are actually harmful for the body.

B Vitamins

The role of B vitamins has also been highlighted in animal studies pertaining to brain development. Research reveals that deficiency of almost any B vitamins can cause some brain abnormalities.

Vitamin C

It was found in studies on vitamin C that children with normal or above normal levels of vitamin C also have higher IQs than children with below normal levels.

Vitamin E – The Indirect Link

There is some evidence to suggest that an undersupply of vitamin E does place a child at risk of suffering from brain damage. However the association is indirect and only applicable to certain circumstances. For example, oxygen deprivation can cause brain damage. During difficult labor, an infant’s oxygen supply could also be threatened. A serious vitamin E deficiency increases the need for oxygen supply, so if the mother is vitamin E deficient, her child is also at greater risk.

Mineral Shortages

Mineral deficiencies before and during pregnancy can retard a child’s brain development. Some of the essential minerals include, iodine, calcium, magnesium, iron, zinc, and others which contribute to the brain’s growth.

In analysing the diet-intelligence link, there is a salient issue which begs much scrutiny in all societies. Maternal health is an all important factor in producing a healthy and normal child. Thus it’s only advisable to improve the nutritional status of mothers who are at “risk” of producing a child with birth defects due to their own diet deficiencies.

The other factor to bear in mind, is the need to monitor the crucial years till the age of four when the brain develops to its fullest. Parents don’t have to be overzealous thus making food a taboo word at home. But instead they should concentrate on giving their children a balanced diet rich in proteins, carbohydrates, fats, fiber as well as vitamins and minerals by encouraging their consumption through creative recipes and presentation.