NUTRITIONAL REFLECTION ON GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT AMONG CHILDREN WITH INTELLECTUAL DISABILITY

Abstract

The CNS (central nervous system) started to develop in the stage of embryogenesis, the neurodevelopmental process include: 1- neuron proliferation. 2- axon and dendrite growth. 3- Synapse formation, pruning, and function. 4- myelination. 5- apoptosis, and these stages is affected by selected nutrients, environmental pollutants and toxic agents can cause disruption of neurodevelopment and interfere with the role of neurotransmitters. Maternal prenatal health has impacts on neurodevelopmental process. Demographic and socioeconomic factors impact developmental delays, Many studies revealed that there is a strong relationship between neurodevelopmental delay, neurodisability and malnutrition, many studies revealed that diets consumed by children plays an important role in the neurodevelopmental process. Some nutrients is important for CNS development such as glutamine, probiotics, iron zinc and folate. Malnutrition is the most prevalent health problem among intellectual disabled children, Factors influence malnutrition impact are: the surrounded environment, interacting effects (exposure to stimulants), timing for nutrient deprivation , mediating effect , degree of nutrient deficiency and possibility of recovery. There is a significant positive correlation between body height and volume of brain grey matter that in the prefrontal cortex and temporoparietal region these regions were responsible of intelligence quotient.