The effect of childhood malnutrition on externalizing behavior

Association between daily breakfast habit during pregnancy and neurodevelopment in 3-year-old offspring: The Japan Environment and Children's Study

The association between daily breakfast habits during pregnancy and offspring neurodevelopment remains unknown. We evaluated the association between breakfast habits during pregnancy and offspring neurodevelopment. Data of 72,260 women with singleton deliveries at and after 37 weeks of gestation enrolled during 2011-2014 in the Japan Environment and Children's Study were analysed. Offspring neurodevelopmental delays at 3 years of age were evaluated using the Ages and Stages Questionnaire, Third Edition (ASQ-3). Participants were stratified by tertiles of maternal daily energy intake (DEI) (Groups 1, 2, and 3:< 1400, 1400-1799, and ≥ 1800 kcal, respectively) during pregnancy and by offspring sex. The adjusted odds ratio (aOR) for abnormality in communication among participants with daily breakfast consumption habit was 0.87 (95% confidence interval, 0.80-0.96). A stratified analysis based on total DEI showed no significant differences in the neurodevelopment of Group 1 offspring. The aOR for abnormality in communication was 0.80 (95% confidence interval, 0.68-0.94) in Group 2. The aOR for abnormality in personal-social characteristics was 0.84 (95% confidence interval, 0.71-0.99) in Group 3. Maternal daily breakfast habits are associated with offspring neurodevelopment at 3 years of age, with the association influenced by maternal DEI and offspring sex.

Association of Magnesium, Iron, Copper, and Zinc Levels with the Prevalence of Behavior Problems in Children and Adolescents

Magnesium (Mg), iron (Fe), copper (Cu), and zinc (Zn) are indispensable elements in children's growth and development. However, epidemiological evidence regarding essential elements and their mixed exposure to behavior problems remains in its infancy. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the association between essential elements and the manifestation of behavior problems, with an additional focus on the implications of their mixture. An electronic medical records review was performed among 4122 subjects aged 6-18 years who underwent examinations at Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, between January 2019 and July 2022. The concentrations of essential elements were measured by atomic absorption spectrometry, and behavior problems were assessed by using the Conners' Parent Rating Scale (CPRS). A total of 895 (21.7%) children and adolescents were identified as having behavior problems. For single exposure, inversely linear dose-response relationships were identified between continuous Mg and Zn levels and the prevalence of behavior problems, and the prevalence ratios (PRs) in the categorical lowest tertile were 1.28 (95% confidence interval, CI: 1.07-1.54) for Mg and 1.31 (95% CI: 1.05-1.63) for Zn compared to the highest tertile. For mixture exposure, an inverse association between essential elements and behavior problems was also found, mainly contributed by Mg (posterior inclusion probability, PIP = 0.854). Whole blood levels of Mg and Zn were significantly inversely associated with behavior problems. The findings highlight the pivotal role of essential elements in behavior problems and emphasize the importance of maintaining adequate levels of essential elements during children's maturation.

Iron Supplementation in Management of Neurodevelopmental Disorders: Systematic Review, Meta-Analysis, and Qualitative Synthesis

OBJECTIVE

The authors sought to explore the role of iron supplementation in the management of neurodevelopmental disorders among children and youths.

METHODS

A systematic review in accordance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines was undertaken. A subset of results was suitable for meta-analysis. The quality of the evidence and strength of the clinical recommendations were assessed by using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation method, and critical appraisal was conducted with the Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal tools.

RESULTS

Nine articles met inclusion criteria. These articles included studies of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) (N=7), autism spectrum disorder (N=1), and Tourette's syndrome (N=1). Three randomized controlled trials evaluating iron supplementation for ADHD hyperactivity symptom severity (124 participants: placebo, N=56; supplement, N=68) met inclusion criteria for a meta-analysis. Effect sizes for the placebo and supplement groups were moderate (Cohen's d=0.76) and large (Cohen's d=1.70), respectively, although these differences were not significant. The impact of iron supplementation on inattentive ADHD symptom severity was examined in two trials (75 participants: placebo, N=31; supplement, N=44). Large, nonsignificant effect sizes were demonstrated for the placebo (Cohen's d=1.66) and supplementation (Cohen's d=3.19) groups. The quality of the evidence and strength of the clinical recommendations were considered very low.

CONCLUSIONS

Further research is needed to examine the role of iron supplementation in the management of ADHD and neurodevelopmental disorders more generally. Additionally, iron supplementation comes with risks, including death in the case of overdose.

Exacerbation of household food insecurity among low-income families in Hong Kong during the COVID-19 pandemic

AIM

The economic depression and reduced physical mobility associated with COVID-19 potentially affected the food security status of the poor. This study aimed to assess the possible worsening of perceived food insecurity among low-income families in Hong Kong.

METHODS

Families either receiving government subsidies or living in a subdivided flat referred by local non-governmental organisations were invited to participate in a telephone survey. Food security status before (by recalling) and during the pandemic were assessed using Household Food Insecurity Access Scale. Chi-square analysis and ANOVA were used to test the difference between the percentage of participants who responded affirmatively to survey questions and various categories of food insecurity. Paired t-test was used to examine the reported change in food insecurity score before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Association between socio-demographic factors and change in food insecurity score was then assessed by multiple linear regression using backward stepwise elimination.

RESULTS

Findings from the 212 households revealed that, for all nine questions concerning food insecurity, there was a significantly higher percentage of affirmative responses during versus before the pandemic. The proportion of food-secure households dropped from 16.5% to 7.1% amidst the pandemic. By contrast, households with severe food insecurity increased from 19.3% to 33.5%. Regression analysis showed that those households who were living in subdivided flats and with high monthly housing expenses, were likely to experience an exacerbation of food insecurity. Meanwhile, households with divorced parents (probably due to consistent social subsidy) and high household incomes, showed resilience toward food insecurity. Concurrently, about one fifth of children in these households had an experience of starvation for a whole day due to financial constraints.

CONCLUSION

The exacerbation of food insecurity among low-income families during the COVID-19 pandemic necessitates timely assessments and the implementation of appropriate measures to prevent them from experiencing physiological harm. These initiatives can be guided by the identified at-risk socio-economic characteristics in the present study.

Lower dietary intake of magnesium is associated with more callous-unemotional traits in children

BACKGROUND

Although researchers increasingly recognize the role of nutrition in mental health, little research has examined specific micronutrient intake in relation to antisocial behavior and callous-unemotional (CU) traits in children. Vitamin B6 and magnesium are involved in neurochemical processes implicated in modulating antisocial behavior and CU traits. The current study examined dietary intakes of magnesium and vitamin B6 in relation to antisocial behavior and CU traits.

METHOD

: We enrolled 11-12 year old children (n = 446, mean age = 11.9 years) participating in the Healthy Brains and Behavior Study. Magnesium and vitamin B6 dietary intake were assessed with three 24-hour dietary recall interviews in children. CU traits and antisocial behavior were assessed by caregiver-reported questionnaires. We controlled for age, sex, race, total energy intake, body mass index, social adversity, ADHD or learning disability diagnosis, and internalizing behavior in all regression analyses.

RESULTS

Children with lower magnesium intake had higher levels of CU traits, controlling for covariates (β = -0.18, B = -0.0066, SE = 0.0027, p < 0.05). Vitamin B6 intake was not significantly associated with CU traits (β = 0.061, B = 0.19, SE = 0.20, p > 0.05). Neither magnesium (β = 0.014, B = 0.0020, SE = 0.0093, p > 0.05) nor vitamin B6 (β = 0.025, B = 0.33, SE = 0.70, p > 0.05) were significantly associated with antisocial behavior.

CONCLUSIONS

Findings suggest that low dietary intake of magnesium may play a role in the etiology of CU traits but not general antisocial behavior. More studies are needed to determine if magnesium supplementation or diets higher in magnesium could improve CU traits in children.

Associations of toddler mechanical/distress feeding problems with psychopathology symptoms five years later

BACKGROUND

Feeding problems are common in early childhood, and some evidence suggests that feeding problems may be associated with psychopathology. Few prospective studies have explored whether toddler feeding problems predict later psychopathology.

METHODS

Mothers of 1,136 children from the Upstate KIDS cohort study provided data when children were 2.5 and 8 years of age. Food refusal (picky eating) and mechanical/distress feeding problems and developmental delays were assessed at 2.5 years. Child eating behaviors (enjoyment of food, food fussiness, and emotional under and overeating) and child psychopathology (attention-deficit/hyperactivity (ADHD), oppositional-defiant (OD), conduct disorder (CD), and anxiety/depression) symptoms were assessed at 8 years.

RESULTS

Mechanical/distress feeding problems at age 2.5, but not food refusal problems, were associated with ADHD, problematic behavior (OD/CD), and anxiety/depression symptoms at 8 years in models adjusting for eating behaviors at 8 years and child and family covariates. Associations with mechanical/distress feeding problems were larger for ADHD and problematic behavior than anxiety/depression symptoms, though all were modest. Model estimates were similar for boys and girls.

CONCLUSIONS

Much of the research on feeding problems focuses on picky eating. This study suggests that early mechanical and mealtime distress problems may serve as better predictors of later psychopathology than food refusal. Parents and pediatricians could monitor children with mechanical/distress feeding problems for signs of developing psychopathology.

Exploring Potential Protective Factors for the Relationship between Low Self-Control in Adolescence and Negative Health Outcomes in Adulthood

Previous research links low levels of self-control with criminal involvement and negative life outcomes. A similar line of inquiry has begun to explore whether low levels of self-control are also associated with developing health problems in adulthood. This paper extends this research by examining associations between adolescent levels of self-control and four different categories of health outcomes in adulthood. In addition, this study examines whether associations between adolescent levels of low self-control and health outcomes in adulthood are moderated by environmental protective factors. The results reveal that low levels of self-control in adolescence are consistently associated with reporting more health problems. In addition, some evidence emerged in support of the role of environmental protective factors in buffering the risk of developing health problems conferred by low levels of self-control in adolescence.

Rotated nursing environment with underfeeding: A form of early-life adversity with sex- and age-dependent effects on coping behavior and hippocampal neurogenesis

We investigated how a unique form of early-life adversity (ELA), caused by rotated nursing environment to induce underfeeding, alters anxiety-like and stress-coping behaviors in male and female Sprague Dawley rats in adolescence and adulthood. Adult female rats underwent either thelectomy (thel; surgical removal of teats), sham surgery, or no surgery (control) before mating. Following parturition, litters were rotated between sham and thel rats every 12 h to generate a group of rats that experienced ELA (rotated housing, rotated mother, and 50% food restriction) from postnatal day 0 to 26. Control litters remained with their natal, nursing dams. Regardless of age and sex, ELA reduced activity in the periphery of the open field. ELA increased immobility in the forced swim test, particularly in adults. We used doublecortin immunohistochemistry to identify immature neurons in the hippocampus. ELA increased the number and density of immature neurons in the dentate gyrus of adolescent males (but not females) and reduced the density of immature neurons in adult males (but not females). This research indicates that a unique form of ELA alters stress-related passive coping and hippocampal neurogenesis in an age- and sex-dependent manner.

Malnourishment during early lactation disrupts the ontogenetic distribution of the CART and α-MSH anorexigenic molecules in the arcuate/paraventricular pathway and lateral hypothalamus in male rats

Developmental malnourishment impacts the energetic metabolism control throughout life. In rat offspring, a 0% protein diet during the first 10 days of lactation results in leptin resistance and in alterations in: feeding behavior, serum leptin and neuropeptide Y (NPY) levels in the hypothalamic arcuate nucleus (ARC)/paraventricular (PVN) pathway. Here, the distributions of alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone (α-MSH) and cocaine and amphetamine regulated transcript (CART), anorexigenic molecules, were immunohistochemically assessed in the ARC, PVN and lateral hypothalamus (LH) nuclei. Rat dams were subjected to one of the following diet protocols from postnatal day (P) 1-10: 1) Protein-free (PFG, 0% protein chow); 2) Pair-fed (UFG, normoprotein chow); 3) Control group (CG, normoprotein chow). PFG, UFG and CG male offspring were analyzed at different time points, from P5 to P180. In the ARC, PFG α-MSH and CART were increased from P10 to P45 when compared to CG and UFG. In the PVN, α-MSH and CART peaks in PFG animals were delayed from P20 to P30 when compared to CG. In the LH, CART was more intense in PFG animals than in UFG and CG ones by P20, and, by P30, UFG immunostaining became less intense than in CG. In conclusion, aproteic diet altered the ontogenetic distribution of both anorexigenic molecules. In the PVN, the peak was delayed to P30, which coincides with the leptin peak and follows the previously described NPY (orexigenic) peak in this model. The permanent LH CART and α-MSH increase may be associated with the previously observed PFG hypophagia.

Prevalence of Food Insecurity at Household Level and Its Associated Factors in Rural Puducherry: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background

Malnutrition is a consequence of food insecurity. Food insecurity in India became a public health problem due to explosive population growth and widening gap between rich and poor. It also has a detrimental effect on factors related to health and social well-being of the family.

Objectives

The study was conducted to determine the prevalence of food insecurity at household level in rural population and factors associated with it.

Subjects and Methods

A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among the households of rural Puducherry. The adult females in the households were interviewed with a pretested semi-structured questionnaire in which, along with sociodemographic factors, food insecurity was assessed using the Household Food Insecurity Access Scale. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis was done to identify the factors associated with food insecurity.

Results

Out of 299 households that were assessed for food insecurity, 31.7% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 26.6-37.4) had food insecurity. Out of 95 households with food insecurity, 51 (17%), 37 (13%), and 7 (2%) had severe, moderate, and mild food insecurity, respectively. In univariate analysis, the presence of children in the family, using below poverty line ration card, and socioeconomic status were significantly associated with food insecurity. In multivariate analysis, socioeconomic status was significantly associated with food insecurity (rate ratio: 3.59; P < 0.001 [95% CI: 1.68-7.67]).

Conclusions

One in three families experienced the food insecurity, and it was more among households with children. It has to be addressed to prevent nutrition-related disorders in community, particularly in children.

Conduct disorder

Conduct disorder (CD) is a common and highly impairing psychiatric disorder that usually emerges in childhood or adolescence and is characterized by severe antisocial and aggressive behaviour. It frequently co-occurs with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and often leads to antisocial personality disorder in adulthood. CD affects ~3% of school-aged children and is twice as prevalent in males than in females. This disorder can be subtyped according to age at onset (childhood-onset versus adolescent-onset) and the presence or absence of callous-unemotional traits (deficits in empathy and guilt). The aetiology of CD is complex, with contributions of both genetic and environmental risk factors and different forms of interplay among the two (gene-environment interaction and correlation). In addition, CD is associated with neurocognitive impairments; smaller grey matter volume in limbic regions such as the amygdala, insula and orbitofrontal cortex, and functional abnormalities in overlapping brain circuits responsible for emotion processing, emotion regulation and reinforcement-based decision-making have been reported. Lower hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and autonomic reactivity to stress has also been reported. Management of CD primarily involves parent-based or family-based psychosocial interventions, although stimulants and atypical antipsychotics are sometimes used, especially in individuals with comorbid ADHD.

Association of Temperament With Preoperative Anxiety in Pediatric Patients Undergoing Surgery: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

IMPORTANCE

Preoperative anxiety is associated with poor behavioral adherence during anesthetic induction and adverse postoperative outcomes. Research suggests that temperament can affect preoperative anxiety and influence its short- and long-term effects, but these associations have not been systematically examined.

OBJECTIVE

To examine the associations of temperament with preoperative anxiety in young patients undergoing surgery.

DATA SOURCES

Studies from MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials databases were searched from database inception to June 2018.

STUDY SELECTION

All prospective studies reporting associations of temperament with preoperative anxiety were included. Overall, 43 of 5451 identified studies met selection criteria.

DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS

Using the PRISMA guidelines, reviewers independently read 43 full-text articles, extracted data on eligible studies, and assessed the quality of each study. Data were pooled using the Lipsey and Wilson random-effects model.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

Primary outcome was the association of temperament with preoperative anxiety in patients undergoing surgery.

RESULTS

A total of 23 studies, with 4527 participants aged 1 to 18 years, were included in this review. Meta-analysis of 12 studies including 1064 participants revealed that emotionality (r = 0.11; 95% CI, 0.04 to 0.19), intensity of reaction (r = 0.29; 95% CI, 0.11 to 0.46), and withdrawal (r = 0.40; 95% CI, 0.23 to 0.55) were positively associated with preoperative anxiety, whereas activity level (r = -0.23; 95% CI, -0.31 to -0.16) was negatively correlated with preoperative anxiety. Impulsivity was not significantly associated with preoperative anxiety.

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

This systematic review and meta-analysis provided evidence suggesting that temperament may help identify pediatric patients at risk of preoperative anxiety and guide the design of prevention and intervention strategies. Future studies should continue to explore temperament and other factors influencing preoperative anxiety and their transactional effects to guide the development of precision treatment approaches and to optimize perioperative care.

Biological explanations of criminal behavior

There is a growing literature on biological explanations of antisocial and criminal behavior. This paper provides a selective review of three specific biological factors - psychophysiology (with the focus on blunted heart rate and skin conductance), brain mechanisms (with a focus on structural and functional aberrations of the prefrontal cortex, amygdala, and striatum), and genetics (with an emphasis on gene-environment and gene-gene interactions). Overall, understanding the role of biology in antisocial and criminal behavior may help increase the explanatory power of current research and theories, as well as inform policy and treatment options.

Prefrontal cortex executive processes affected by stress in health and disease

Prefrontal cortical executive functions comprise a number of cognitive capabilities necessary for goal directed behavior and adaptation to a changing environment. Executive dysfunction that leads to maladaptive behavior and is a symptom of psychiatric pathology can be instigated or exacerbated by stress. In this review we survey research addressing the impact of stress on executive function, with specific focus on working memory, attention, response inhibition, and cognitive flexibility. We then consider the neurochemical pathways underlying these cognitive capabilities and, where known, how stress alters them. Finally, we review work exploring potential pharmacological and non-pharmacological approaches that can ameliorate deficits in executive function. Both preclinical and clinical literature indicates that chronic stress negatively affects executive function. Although some of the circuitry and neurochemical processes underlying executive function have been characterized, a great deal is still unknown regarding how stress affects these processes. Additional work focusing on this question is needed in order to make progress on developing interventions that ameliorate executive dysfunction.

Reductions of intimate partner violence resulting from supplementing children with omega-3 fatty acids: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, stratified, parallel-group trial

Omega-3 supplementation has been found to reduce externalizing behavior in children. Reciprocal models of parent-child behavior suggest that improving child behavior could lead to improvements in parent behavior, however no study has examined whether omega-3 supplementation in children could reduce intimate partner violence or child maltreatment by their adult caregivers. In this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, stratified, parallel group trial, a community sample of children were randomized to receive either a fruit drink containing 1 gm of omega-3 fats (Smartfish Recharge; Omega-3 group, n = 100) or the same fruit drink without omega-3's (Placebo group, n = 100). Child participants, adult caregivers, and research staff were blinded to group assignment. Adult caregivers reported inter-partner and child-directed physical assault and psychological aggression at baseline, 6 months (end of treatment) and 12 months (6 months post-treatment) using the Conflicts Tactics Scale. Caregivers of children in the omega-3 group reported long-term reductions in psychological aggression in a group × time interaction. Improvements in adult psychological aggression were correlated with improvements in child externalizing behavior scores. No differences were reported for child maltreatment. This study is the first to show that omega-3 supplementation in children can reduce inter-partner psychological aggression among adult caregivers not receiving supplements. Findings suggest that improving child behavior through omega-3 supplementation could have long-term benefits to the family system as a whole.

A 'phenotypic hangover': the predictive adaptive response and multigenerational effects of altered nutrition on the transcriptome of Drosophila melanogaster

The Developmental Origins of Health and Disease hypothesis predicts that early-life environmental exposures can be detrimental to later-life health and that mismatch between the pre- and post-natal environment may contribute to the growing non-communicable disease epidemic. Within this is an increasingly recognized role for epigenetic mechanisms; for example, epigenetic modifications can be influenced by nutrition and can alter gene expression in mothers and offspring. Currently, there are few whole-genome transcriptional studies of response to nutritional alteration. Thus, we sought to explore how nutrition affects the expression of genes involved in epigenetic processes in Drosophila melanogaster. We manipulated Drosophila food macronutrient composition at the F0 generation, mismatched F1 offspring back to a standard diet and analysed the transcriptome of the F0-F3 generations by RNA sequencing. At F0, the altered (high-protein, low-carbohydrate) diet increased expression of genes classified as having roles in epigenetic processes, with co-ordinated down-regulation of genes involved in immunity, neurotransmission and neurodevelopment, oxidative stress and metabolism. Upon reversion to standard nutrition, mismatched F1 and F2 generations displayed multigenerational inheritance of altered gene expression. By the F3 generation, gene expression had reverted to F0 (matched) levels. These nutritionally induced gene expression changes demonstrate that dietary alterations can up-regulate epigenetic genes, which may influence the expression of genes with broad biological functions. Furthermore, the multigenerational inheritance of the gene expression changes in F1 and F2 mismatched generations suggests a predictive adaptive response to maternal nutrition, aiding the understanding of the interaction between maternal diet and offspring health, with direct implications for the current non-communicable disease epidemic.

Nutritional status and social behavior in preschool children: the mediating effects of neurocognitive functioning

Early malnutritional status has been associated with reduced cognitive ability in childhood. However, there are almost no studies on the effect of malnutrition on positive social behavior, and no tests of possible mediating mechanisms. This study tests the hypothesis that poor nutritional status is associated with impaired social functioning in childhood, and that neurocognitive ability mediates this relationship. We assessed 1553 male and female 3-year-olds from a birth cohort on measures of malnutrition, social behavior and verbal and spatial neurocognitive functions. Children with indicators of malnutrition showed impaired social behavior (p < .0001) as compared with children in the control group with adequate nutritional status. These associations even persisted after controlling for social adversity and parental education. Findings were not moderated by gender or ethnicity, and there was no interaction effect with parental education. A dose-response relationship was observed between degree of malnutrition and degree of social behavior, with increased malnutrition associated with more impaired social behavior. Neurocognitive ability was found to mediate the nutrition-social behavior relationship. The mediation effect of neurocognitive functioning suggests that poor nutrition negatively impacts brain areas that play important roles in developing positive social behavior. Findings suggest that reducing poor nutrition, alternatively promoting good nutrition, may help promote positive social behavior in early childhood during a critical period for social and neurocognitive development, with implications for improving positive health in adulthood.

Household food insecurity during childhood and adolescent misconduct

A large body of research has found that household food insecurity can interfere with the healthy development of children. The link between household food insecurity during childhood and misbehaviors during adolescence, however, is not commonly explored. The objective of the current study is to assess whether household food insecurity across childhood predicts four different forms of misconduct during early adolescence. Data from the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study, Kindergarten Class of 1998-1999 (ECLS-K), a nationally representative sample of U.S. children, were employed in the present study. Associations between household food insecurity during childhood and adolescent misconduct were examined using Logistic and Negative Binomial Regression. Analyses were performed separately for males and females. The results revealed that household food insecurity and food insecurity persistence were predictive of most forms of misconduct for males, and were consistently predictive of engagement in multiple forms of misconduct and a greater variety of forms of misconduct for males. For females, however, household food insecurity generally failed to predict adolescent misconduct. The behavioral development of males during adolescence appears to be sensitive to the presence and persistence of household food insecurity during childhood. Future research should seek to replicate and extend the present findings to late adolescence and adulthood.

Hemoglobin Status and Externalizing Behavioral Problems in Children

BACKGROUND

Still considered one of the most prevalent nutritional problems in the world, anemia has been shown in many studies to have deleterious effects on neurobehavioral development. While most research efforts have focused on investigating the effects of anemia on social and emotional development of infants by using a cross-sectional design, research is still needed to investigate whether early childhood anemia, beyond infantile years, is linked with behavioral problems.

OBJECTIVE

This study assessed whether (1) hemoglobin (Hb) levels in early childhood are associated with externalizing behavior; and (2) this relationship is confounded by social adversity.

METHODS

Hemoglobin levels were taken from children (N = 98) of the China Jintan Cohort Study at age 4 years, and externalizing behaviors (attention and aggression) were assessed with the Child Behavior Checklist (ASEBA-CBCL) at age 6 years (mean age 5.77 ± 0.39 years old).

RESULTS

Compared with other children in the sample, children with relatively lower Hb levels at age 4 had more behavioral problems in both attention and aggression at age 6, independent of social adversity. For boys, this association was significant for attention problems, which did not interact with social adversity. For girls, the association was significant for aggression, which interacted with social adversity. While girls on average exhibited higher social adversity than boys, the main effect of Hb was only significant in girls with low social adversity.

CONCLUSIONS

These results indicate that there is an inverse association between hemoglobin levels and later behavioral problems. Findings of this study suggest that regular monitoring of children's hemoglobin levels and appropriate intervention may help with early identification of behavioral problems.

Behavioral Abnormality Induced by Enhanced Hypothalamo-Pituitary-Adrenocortical Axis Activity under Dietary Zinc Deficiency and Its Usefulness as a Model

Dietary zinc deficiency increases glucocorticoid secretion from the adrenal cortex via enhanced hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenocortical (HPA) axis activity and induces neuropsychological symptoms, i.e., behavioral abnormality. Behavioral abnormality is due to the increase in glucocorticoid secretion rather than disturbance of brain zinc homeostasis, which occurs after the increase in glucocorticoid secretion. A major target of glucocorticoids is the hippocampus and their actions are often associated with disturbance of glutamatergic neurotransmission, which may be linked to behavioral abnormality, such as depressive symptoms and aggressive behavior under zinc deficiency. Glucocorticoid-mediated disturbance of glutamatergic neurotransmission in the hippocampus is also involved in the pathophysiology of, not only psychiatric disorders, such as depression, but also neurodegenerative disorders, e.g., Alzheimer’s disease. The evidence suggests that zinc-deficient animals are models for behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD), as well as depression. To understand validity to apply zinc-deficient animals as a behavioral abnormality model, this paper deals with the effect of antidepressive drugs and herbal medicines on hippocampal dysfunctions and behavioral abnormality, which are induced by enhanced HPA axis activity under dietary zinc deficiency.

Serious, Violent Young Offenders in South Africa: Are They Life-Course Persistent Offenders?

Life-course persistent offending contributes greatly to violent offending in any country. South Africa has high rates of violence; this study investigated what proportion of young South African offenders might be identified as life-course persistent, and what risk factors identified this group. Offenders aged 12 to 25 years (N = 395) were selected from eight different correctional facilities in four provinces of South Africa. Latent class analysis identified 164 offenders (41.5%) with distinctly earlier starts and more serious offending. These (probably life-course persistent) offenders were distinguished from others by male gender, violence at home, other victimization, familial crime, school performance, violence at school, and alcohol abuse and gang membership. Correctional services should be specifically targeted at this large subgroup of offenders to prevent recidivism. Primary prevention efforts should be targeted at preventing violence at home and school, at promoting school attachment, at substance abuse treatment, and at gang membership.

Childhood Reports of Food Neglect and Impulse Control Problems and Violence in Adulthood

Food insecurity and hunger during childhood are associated with an array of developmental problems in multiple domains, including impulse control problems and violence. Unfortunately, extant research is based primarily on small convenience samples and an epidemiological assessment of the hunger-violence link is lacking. The current study employed data from Wave 1 (2001-2002) and Wave 2 (2004-2005) of the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions (NESARC). The NESARC is a nationally representative sample of non-institutionalized U.S. residents aged 18 years and older. Participants who experienced frequent hunger during childhood had significantly greater impulsivity, worse self-control, and greater involvement in several forms of interpersonal violence. These effects were stronger among whites, Hispanics, and males. The findings support general theoretical models implicating impulse control problems as a key correlate of crime and violence and add another facet to the importance of ameliorating food neglect in the United States.

Neurological and Epigenetic Implications of Nutritional Deficiencies on Psychopathology: Conceptualization and Review of Evidence

In recent years, a role for epigenetic modifications in the pathophysiology of disease has received significant attention. Many studies are now beginning to explore the gene-environment interactions, which may mediate early-life exposure to risk factors, such as nutritional deficiencies and later development of behavioral problems in children and adults. In this paper, we review the current literature on the role of epigenetics in the development of psychopathology, with a specific focus on the potential for epigenetic modifications to link nutrition and brain development. We propose a conceptual framework whereby epigenetic modifications (e.g., DNA methylation) mediate the link between micro- and macro-nutrient deficiency early in life and brain dysfunction (e.g., structural aberration, neurotransmitter perturbation), which has been linked to development of behavior problems later on in life.

Associations between Blood Zinc Concentrations and Sleep Quality in Childhood: A Cohort Study

Little evidence is available regarding the relationship between zinc and sleep in school children. The present study aimed to examine the cross-sectional and longitudinal associations between blood zinc concentrations and sleep quality throughout childhood. A total of 1295 children from the Jintan Child Cohort in China were included in this study. Venous blood sample of zinc and subjective sleep data were collected when the children were at preschool age (3-5 years old) and early adolescence (11-15 years old). Odds ratios (ORs) reflect the odds of the sleep quality/subdomain being at a greater impairment level associated with 1 unit increase in log zinc concentration. Cross-sectional analyses showed negative correlation of blood zinc concentrations with insufficient sleep duration (OR = 0.432, p = 0.002), sleep disturbances (OR = 0.454, p = 0.009) and poor sleep quality (OR = 0.559, p = 0.049) in adolescence, but no association at preschool age (p > 0.05). Longitudinal analyses indicated that blood zinc concentrations at preschool age predict poor sleep efficiency (OR = 0.186, p = 0.000) and poor sleep quality (OR = 0.358, p = 0.020) in adolescence. Our findings suggest that sufficient zinc concentration is associated with good sleep quality, dependent on the developmental stage in childhood. Future interventional research is warranted to examine the short and long-term effect of zinc status on sleep heath.

Low blood zinc, iron, and other sociodemographic factors associated with behavior problems in preschoolers

Previous research supports the link among malnutrition, cognitive dysfunction, and behavioral outcomes; however, less research has focused on micronutrient deficiencies. This study investigates whether micronutrient deficiencies, specifically blood zinc and iron levels, will be associated with increased behavior problem scores, including internalizing and externalizing behaviors. 1314 Children (55% boys and 45% girls) from the Jintan Preschool Cohort in China participated in this study. Venous blood samples were collected and analyzed for zinc and iron when the children were 3-5 years old. Behavior problems were measured with the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL), which was completed by the parents when children were in their last months of preschool (mean age 5.6 years). General linear multivariate modeling was used, with adjustment for important sociodemographic variables. The results indicate that low zinc levels alone (p = 0.024) and combined low zinc and iron levels (p = 0.022) are significantly associated with increased reports of total behavior problems. We did not find an association between low iron and behavior problems. With regards to sociodemographics, living in the suburbs is associated with increased internalizing problems, while higher mother's education and being female were associated with decreased externalizing problems. This study suggests that micronutrient deficiencies and sociodemographic facts are associated with behavior problems in preschoolers.

Can the world afford to ignore biotechnology solutions that address food insecurity?

Genetically engineered (GE) crops can be used as part of a combined strategy to address food insecurity, which is defined as a lack of sustainable access to safe and nutritious food. In this article, we discuss the causes and consequences of food insecurity in the developing world, and the indirect economic impact on industrialized countries. We dissect the healthcare costs and lost productivity caused by food insecurity, and evaluate the relative merits of different intervention programs including supplementation, fortification and the deployment of GE crops with higher yields and enhanced nutritional properties. We provide clear evidence for the numerous potential benefits of GE crops, particularly for small-scale and subsistence farmers. GE crops with enhanced yields and nutritional properties constitute a vital component of any comprehensive strategy to tackle poverty, hunger and malnutrition in developing countries and thus reduce the global negative economic effects of food insecurity.

Poor nutrition during pregnancy and lactation negatively affects neurodevelopment of the offspring: evidence from a translational primate model

BACKGROUND

Studies of the effects of prenatal nutrition on neurodevelopment in humans are complicated because poor nutrition occurs in the context of psychosocial stressors and other risk factors associated with poor developmental outcomes.

OBJECTIVE

Under controlled experimental conditions, we tested an effect of prenatal nutrition on neurodevelopmental outcomes in the nonhuman primate.

DESIGN

Juvenile offspring of 19 female baboons, whose diets were either restricted [maternal nutrition restriction (MNR)] or who were fed ad libitum (control), were administered the progressive ratio task from the Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery. Activity, persistence, attention, and emotional arousal were coded from videotapes. These established, reliable methods were consistent with those used to assess individual differences in the behaviors of school-age children.

RESULTS

MNR offspring (3 female and 4 male offspring) had significantly fewer responses and received fewer reinforcements on the progressive ratio task than did control offspring (8 female and 4 male offspring). MNR offspring showed a more variable activity level and less emotional arousal than did control offspring. Female MNR offspring showed more variable and lower levels of persistence and attention than did female control offspring. Thus, under controlled experimental conditions, data support a main effect of prenatal nutrition on highly translatable neurodevelopmental outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

Nutritional interventions during pregnancy have been successfully used to target neurodevelopmental problems, such as increasing folic acid intake during pregnancy to decrease the incidence of neural tube defects. Results from the current study can be used to support the testing of nutritional preventive interventions for the most-common childhood behavior problems.

The relationship between large cavum septum pellucidum and antisocial behavior, callous-unemotional traits and psychopathy in adolescents

BACKGROUND

The presence of a large cavum septum pellucidum (CSP) has been previously associated with antisocial behavior/psychopathic traits in an adult community sample.

AIMS

The current study investigated the relationship between a large CSP and symptom severity in disruptive behavior disorders (DBD; conduct disorder and oppositional defiant disorder).

METHOD

Structural MRI scans of youth with DBDs (N = 32) and healthy comparison youth (N = 27) were examined for the presence of a large CSP and if this was related to symptom severity.

RESULTS

Replicating previous results, a large CSP was associated with DBD diagnosis, proactive aggression, and level of psychopathic traits in youth. However, the presence of a large CSP was unrelated to aggression or psychopathic traits within the DBD sample.

CONCLUSIONS

Early brain mal-development may increase the risk of a DBD diagnosis, but does not mark a particularly severe form of DBD within patients receiving these diagnoses.

Regular breakfast consumption is associated with increased IQ in kindergarten children

BACKGROUND

Studies have documented a positive relationship between regular breakfast consumption and cognitive outcomes in youth. However, most of these studies have emphasized specific measures of cognition rather than cognitive performance as a broad construct (e.g., IQ test scores) and have been limited to Western samples of school-age children and adolescents. This study aims to extend the literature on breakfast consumption and cognition by examining these constructs in a sample of Chinese kindergarten-age children.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study consisted of a sample of 1269 children (697 boys and 572 girls) aged 6 years from the Chinese city of Jintan. Cognition was assessed with the Chinese version of the Wechsler preschool and primary scale of intelligence-revised. Breakfast habits were assessed through parental questionnaire. Analyses of variance and linear regression models were used to analyze the association between breakfast habits and IQ. Socioeconomic and parental psychosocial variables related to intelligence were controlled for.

RESULTS

Findings showed that children who regularly have breakfast on a near-daily basis had significantly higher full scale, verbal, and performance IQ test scores (all p<0.001) compared to children who "sometimes" have breakfast. This relationship persisted for VIQ (verbal IQ) and FIQ (full IQ) even after adjusting for gender, current living location, parental education, parental occupation, and primary child caregiver.

CONCLUSION

Findings may reflect nutritional as well as social benefits of regular breakfast consumption on cognition, and regular breakfast consumption should be encouraged among young children.

The physician's unique role in preventing violence: a neglected opportunity?

BACKGROUND

Episodes of explosive rage and violence comprise a symptom complex which can have a devastating effect on a person's life. In the community this behavior is seen as workplace violence, domestic abuse and road rage, while in the clinical setting, this behavior is rarely mentioned by patients, despite evidence that it can signify an important biological disorder that may afflict more than three percent of the population.

DISCUSSION

Patients are often reluctant to seek help for episodic attacks of rage, especially attacks which are accompanied by physical violence. Although, in the past, clinicians have had few treatment options to offer, recent neuroscience advances have created new possibilities to understand and help patients with this neglected problem. No formal medical guidelines for treating violence exist; however, many patients can be helped by diagnosis, referral and treatment. Treatment can include pharmaceuticals and nutrients, as well as referral for anger management or behavioral therapy.

SUMMARY

The astute clinician has an opportunity to positively impact an important problem through the diagnosis and treatment of patients with symptoms of intermittent explosive disorder.

Genetic and environmental influences on nutrient intake

The relationship between genetic and the environment represents a pathway to better understand individual variations in nutrition intake and food preferences. However, the present literature is weakened somewhat by methodological flaws (e.g., overreliance on self-report questionnaires), discrepancies in statistical approaches, and inconsistent findings. Little research on this topic to date has included examination of micronutrient intake. The purpose of this study is to improve the existing literature on genetic and environmental influences on energy and nutrient intake by addressing these gaps. Twin pairs (N = 358; age 11-13 years) provided 3-day food intake diaries, which were assessed for intake of total energy, macronutrients, and micronutrients. Structural equation modeling revealed that genetic influences accounted for a significant portion of the total variance in total energy (48 %), macronutrients (35-45 %), minerals (45 %), and vitamins (21 %). Consistent with previous studies, the shared environment appeared to contribute little to nutritional intake. Findings on vitamin and mineral intake are novel and are particularly beneficial for further research on the contribution of micronutrients to individual physical health status. Better understanding of the linkage between genes, environment, and nutritional intake and deficiencies can clarify behavioral and physical outcomes, potentially informing risk reduction, primary prevention, and intervention strategies.

Hemoglobin status associated with performance IQ but not verbal IQ in Chinese preschool children

BACKGROUND

Despite the body of literature that links anemia with poorer cognition in children and the evidence that the severity of the effects of anemia on children's cognition vary in different populations, few studies have investigated the effects of anemia on the cognitive development of Chinese children.

METHODS

This longitudinal cohort included 171 children from a developing region of China. Hemoglobin (Hb) and iron levels were taken when the children were 4 years old. At age 6, the children's cognition was tested with the Chinese Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence. Psychosocial information was also used in analyses.

RESULTS

Results showed that the children who had low Hb levels had significantly lower scores in performance IQ (PIQ), but not verbal IQ. Although blood Fe levels were not shown to moderate the link between Hb levels and IQ, we found children who performed the best on IQ tests exhibited low iron levels concurrent with high Hb levels, whereas the group who performed the worst exhibited high iron but low Hb levels. We also found that psychosocial adversity did not differ significantly between children who had normal or low Hb levels, although the effect of Hb on PIQ became only suggestive after controlling for psychosocial adversity, therefore the correlation is not causal but only a suggestive association.

CONCLUSION

Our findings are in agreement with literature on the negative effects of anemia on children's cognition and point to the possibility that the portions of the brain associated with PIQ components are particularly affected by low Hb during crucial periods of development.

Infant malnutrition predicts conduct problems in adolescents

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this study was to compare the prevalence of conduct problems in a well-documented sample of Barbadian adolescents malnourished as infants and a demographic comparison group and to determine the extent to which cognitive impairment and environmental factors account for this association.

METHODS

Behavioral symptoms were assessed using a 76-item self-report scale in 56 Barbadian youth (11-17 years of age) with histories of protein-energy malnutrition (PEM) limited to the first year of life and 60 healthy classmates. Group comparisons were carried out by longitudinal and cross-sectional multiple regression analyses at 3 time points in childhood and adolescence.

RESULTS

Self-reported conduct problems were more prevalent among previously malnourished youth (P < 0.01). Childhood IQ and home environmental circumstances partially mediated the association with malnutrition. Teacher-reported classroom behaviors at earlier ages were significantly correlated with youth conduct problems, confirming the continuity of conduct problems through childhood and adolescence.

DISCUSSION

Self-reported conduct problems are elevated in children and adolescents with histories of early childhood malnutrition. Later vulnerability to increased conduct problems appears to be mediated by the more proximal neurobehavioral effects of the malnutrition on cognitive function and by adverse conditions in the early home environment.

Micronutrients deficiency and associated sociodemographic factors in Chinese children

BACKGROUND

Although the prevalence of malnutrition has decreased, micronutrient deficiency still exists among children. While iron level has been studied, limited information on serum levels of zinc in Chinese children is available. This study aims to describe the status of micronutrients and its association with sociodemographic factors, and to assess associated risk factors.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was performed on 1375 Chinese preschool children. Venous blood samples were collected and analyzed for zinc and iron by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Sociodemographic information was obtained from self-administered questionnaires given to the parents.

RESULTS

The high prevalence of low serum zinc (38.2%) and iron (24.3%) was found. Children from rural preschools had the lowest zinc levels, whereas those from urban preschools had the lowest iron levels. Children living in small houses had the highest prevalence of low serum zinc (47.1%), and children from small families (≤3 persons) had a higher prevalence of low serum zinc than those from large families (41.8% vs. 34.1%).

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings in the recent socioeconomic development of China suggest the need for continuous monitoring of nutritional factors and highlight the importance of public health implication in preschool children even in developed regions.

Regular breakfast and blood lead levels among preschool children

BACKGROUND

Previous studies have shown that fasting increases lead absorption in the gastrointestinal tract of adults. Regular meals/snacks are recommended as a nutritional intervention for lead poisoning in children, but epidemiological evidence of links between fasting and blood lead levels (B-Pb) is rare. The purpose of this study was to examine the association between eating a regular breakfast and B-Pb among children using data from the China Jintan Child Cohort Study.

METHODS

Parents completed a questionnaire regarding children's breakfast-eating habit (regular or not), demographics, and food frequency. Whole blood samples were collected from 1,344 children for the measurements of B-Pb and micronutrients (iron, copper, zinc, calcium, and magnesium). B-Pb and other measures were compared between children with and without regular breakfast. Linear regression modeling was used to evaluate the association between regular breakfast and log-transformed B-Pb. The association between regular breakfast and risk of lead poisoning (B-Pb≥10 μg/dL) was examined using logistic regression modeling.

RESULTS

Median B-Pb among children who ate breakfast regularly and those who did not eat breakfast regularly were 6.1 μg/dL and 7.2 μg/dL, respectively. Eating breakfast was also associated with greater zinc blood levels. Adjusting for other relevant factors, the linear regression model revealed that eating breakfast regularly was significantly associated with lower B-Pb (beta = -0.10 units of log-transformed B-Pb compared with children who did not eat breakfast regularly, p = 0.02).

CONCLUSION

The present study provides some initial human data supporting the notion that eating a regular breakfast might reduce B-Pb in young children. To our knowledge, this is the first human study exploring the association between breakfast frequency and B-Pb in young children.

Neurocriminology

In the past several decades there has been an explosion of research into the biological correlates to antisocial behavior. This chapter reviews the state of current research on the topic, including a review of the genetics, neuroimaging, neuropsychological, and electrophysiological studies in delinquent and antisocial populations. Special attention is paid to the biopsychosocial model and gene-environment interactions in producing antisocial behavior.

Early Health Risk Factors for Violence: Conceptualization, Review of the Evidence, and Implications

Violence and aggression are public health problems that can benefit from ongoing research into risk reduction and prevention. Current developmental theories of violence and aggression emphasize biological and psychosocial factors, particularly during adolescence. However, there has been less focus on understanding the interactive, multiplicative effects of these processes. Furthermore, little attention has been given to the pre-, peri-, and postnatal periods, where prevention and intervention may yield effective results. Early health risk factors that influence negative behavioral outcomes include prenatal and postnatal nutrition, tobacco use during pregnancy, maternal depression, birth complications, traumatic brain injury, lead exposure, and child abuse. There is an ample literature to suggest that these early health risk factors may increase the likelihood of childhood externalizing behaviors, aggression, juvenile delinquency, adult criminal behavior, and/or violence. This paper proposes an early health risk factors framework for violence prediction, built on existing developmental theories of criminal behavior and supported by empirical findings. This framework addresses gaps in the adolescent psychopathology literature and presents a novel conceptualization of behavioral disturbance that emphasizes the pre-, peri-, and post-natal periods, when a child's development is critical and the opportunity for behavioral and environmental modification is high. Implications for such a framework on violence prevention programs are discussed.

Recent studies of iron deficiency during brain development in nonhuman primates

Recent studies of the effects of developmental iron deficiency (ID) and iron deficiency anemia in nonhuman primates have provided new insights into this widespread and well-recognized human nutritional deficiency. The rhesus monkey was the animal model in these experiments, which used extensive hematological and behavioral evaluations in addition to noninvasive brain measures. Two important findings were as follows: 1) different behavioral consequences depending on the timing of ID relative to brain developmental stages and 2) the potential for long-lasting changes in brain iron regulatory systems. Further work in this model, including integration with studies in humans and in laboratory rodents, is ongoing.

Is sub-nutrition necessary for a poor outcome following early institutional deprivation?

Institutional deprivation is multifaceted and includes adverse psychosocial and nutrition-related components. In this study we partitioned these risks in relation to cognitive impairment and mental ill health, and explored the mediating role of reduced head/brain size. There were 138 participants (61 males, 77 females) in the study. Participants were Romanian adoptees who had experienced at least 2 weeks of early institutional deprivation. The sample was stratified on the basis of duration of deprivation (high risk >6 mo in institutions) and sub-nutrition (i.e. 1.5 SD below UK age-related norms for weight at UK entry). UK children adopted before 6 months of age and a group of non-institutionally deprived Romanian children constituted the comparison groups. Duration of deprivation was associated with smaller head circumference, lowered IQ, and increased mental heath problems, independently of effects found for sub-nutrition on head circumference and IQ. The mediating role of head circumference was limited to either sub-nourished (IQ) or non-sub-nourished (inattention/overactivity and disinhibited attachment) subgroups. Many negative effects of early deprivation, including stunted brain growth, occur without sub-nutrition: psychosocial deprivation plays a major role in neurodevelopmental effects of deprivation. Further studies of functional and structural neuroanatomy following institutional deprivation are required to delineate the role of brain development in its effects.

Nutrition and performance in children

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Malnutrition in late infancy and childhood remains a significant public health issue in developing nations as well as for those in transition to an industrialized economy. In addition, in these settings and particularly in developed nations, overweight is becoming a very serious threat to both the immediate and the long-term health of children. In this review, we present recent studies that have examined relationships between childhood undernutrition and three general areas of performance: physical activity, cognition and behavior.

RECENT FINDINGS

Malnourished children have been shown to have decreased physical activity and endurance, and poorer cognitive function and school performance. Multiple single micronutrient deficiencies, including vitamin B12, thiamin, niacin, zinc and iron, have been associated with poorer cognitive performance. Behavioral problems, including attention deficits, have also been associated with food insufficiency and malnutrition.

SUMMARY

The effects of impaired nutritional status during childhood may have long-standing consequences for the health and performance of children during their adult years.