Microbiotic and nutritiological patterns of cognitive and behavioral functions formation in a child
The article discusses the up-to-date international studies demonstrating the intestinal microbiota and brain interrelation, as well as the possible influence of the «intestinal microbiota - intestine - brain» system on the nervous system development in children and formation of their cognitive and behavorial functions. Nutritional approaches in the correction of emotional, behavioral and cognitive symptoms in children with ADHD, autism and other mental development disorders are reviewed. The importance of a healthy intestinal microbial composition is emphasized, especially in early childhood, during the period of intensive nervous system development, active processes of myelination in the central nervous system conduction tracts, neurons differentiation, and morphological maturation of the cortical representation of motor and sensory analyzers. The influence of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), polyunsaturated fatty acids, and probiotics on the nervous system state and a child’s mental functions is discussed.