Daijiworld Media Network - Hamilton

Hamilton, Mar 2: A team of researchers from McMaster University has identified small molecules in the blood that may influence early childhood development, shedding light on how diet, gut health, and early life experiences impact growth and cognitive milestones.

Collaborating with Brazilian scientists, the team conducted a metabolomic analysis of blood samples from over 5,000 children aged six months to five years as part of the Brazilian National Survey of Child Nutrition. The study revealed that certain metabolites, known as uremic toxins, were inversely linked to developmental outcomes.

"These findings highlight the complex connections between diet, gut health, and a child's developmental progress," explained Philip Britz-McKibbin, professor in the Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology at McMaster University.

By analyzing metabolites associated with cognitive development using the World Health Organization's Developmental Quotient (DQ), researchers identified bioactive compounds often linked to chronic kidney disease. Even a slight increase in these metabolites may contribute to inflammation and developmental delays in children.

"What’s interesting is that many of these metabolites are linked to the gut-brain axis, suggesting that a healthy gut microbiome could play a crucial role in cognitive and social development," Britz-McKibbin added.

The study, published in eLife, could have significant implications for early identification of children at risk of developmental delays, while also informing public health policies and childhood nutrition programs focused on maternal diet and breastfeeding practices.