@article{10.11648/j.ajp.20261203.12,
  author = {Ilham Imam and Belayet Hossain Dhali and Mir Mosharof Hossain and Mumtahena Mahmuda and Sonia Sharjina and Rimarani Mazumder and Lipu Paul},
  title = {The Science Behind the Body-Brain-Behavior Axis: 
How Early-Life Nutrition and Micronutrients Shape Neurodevelopment and Behavioral Regulation of Children},
  journal = {American Journal of Pediatrics},
  volume = {12},
  number = {3},
  pages = {103-110},
  doi = {10.11648/j.ajp.20261203.12},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ajp.20261203.12},
  eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.ajp.20261203.12},
  abstract = {Early childhood represents a critical developmental period during which nutrition provides the biological foundation for physical growth, brain maturation, cognitive development, and behavioral regulation. The traditional assessment of child development has largely focused on physical indicators such as weight and height; however, emerging scientific evidence emphasizes that complete growth requires a multidimensional approach integrating Body, Brain, and Behavior (3B) outcomes. The Body-Brain-Behavior Axis describes the interconnected relationship between nutritional intake, physiological growth, neurodevelopmental processes, and behavioral outcomes, highlighting nutrition as a fundamental regulator of lifelong health trajectories. During early life, rapid cellular proliferation, synapse formation, myelination, neurotransmitter synthesis, and immune development create a high demand for essential nutrients. Micronutrients including iron, zinc, iodine, DHA, B-vitamins, vitamin D, calcium, and magnesium act through multiple biological pathways to support these processes. Iron contributes to oxygen transport, energy metabolism, neurotransmitter synthesis, and myelination; iodine supports thyroid hormone production and neurological development; zinc regulates neuronal signaling, immune function, and synaptic plasticity; while DHA plays a critical role in neuronal membrane formation, synapse development, and cognitive function. B-vitamins participate in energy metabolism and neurotransmitter pathways, whereas vitamin D, calcium, and magnesium contribute to skeletal development, cellular signaling, and neurological regulation. The relationship between nutrition and development is bidirectional. Nutritional inadequacy can impair growth, reduce neuroplasticity, disrupt neurotransmitter balance, and influence emotional regulation, attention, learning ability, and social interaction. Conversely, adequate nutrient intake during critical developmental windows, particularly the first 1,000 days of life, supports optimal body growth, brain architecture, and behavioral competence. Nutrient deficiencies rarely affect a single developmental domain; rather, they create interconnected consequences across physical, cognitive, and emotional systems. This review explores the scientific mechanisms underlying the Body-Brain-Behavior Axis and examines how early-life nutrition and micronutrients influence neurodevelopment and behavioral regulation. Understanding these biological connections provides an integrated framework for healthcare professionals to promote holistic child development through evidence-based nutritional strategies.},
 year = {2026}
}

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TY  - JOUR
T1  - The Science Behind the Body-Brain-Behavior Axis: 
How Early-Life Nutrition and Micronutrients Shape Neurodevelopment and Behavioral Regulation of Children
AU  - Ilham Imam
AU  - Belayet Hossain Dhali
AU  - Mir Mosharof Hossain
AU  - Mumtahena Mahmuda
AU  - Sonia Sharjina
AU  - Rimarani Mazumder
AU  - Lipu Paul
Y1  - 2026/09/20
PY  - 2026
N1  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ajp.20261203.12
DO  - 10.11648/j.ajp.20261203.12
T2  - American Journal of Pediatrics
JF  - American Journal of Pediatrics
JO  - American Journal of Pediatrics
SP  - 103
EP  - 110
PB  - Science Publishing Group
SN  - 2472-0909
UR  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ajp.20261203.12
AB  - Early childhood represents a critical developmental period during which nutrition provides the biological foundation for physical growth, brain maturation, cognitive development, and behavioral regulation. The traditional assessment of child development has largely focused on physical indicators such as weight and height; however, emerging scientific evidence emphasizes that complete growth requires a multidimensional approach integrating Body, Brain, and Behavior (3B) outcomes. The Body-Brain-Behavior Axis describes the interconnected relationship between nutritional intake, physiological growth, neurodevelopmental processes, and behavioral outcomes, highlighting nutrition as a fundamental regulator of lifelong health trajectories. During early life, rapid cellular proliferation, synapse formation, myelination, neurotransmitter synthesis, and immune development create a high demand for essential nutrients. Micronutrients including iron, zinc, iodine, DHA, B-vitamins, vitamin D, calcium, and magnesium act through multiple biological pathways to support these processes. Iron contributes to oxygen transport, energy metabolism, neurotransmitter synthesis, and myelination; iodine supports thyroid hormone production and neurological development; zinc regulates neuronal signaling, immune function, and synaptic plasticity; while DHA plays a critical role in neuronal membrane formation, synapse development, and cognitive function. B-vitamins participate in energy metabolism and neurotransmitter pathways, whereas vitamin D, calcium, and magnesium contribute to skeletal development, cellular signaling, and neurological regulation. The relationship between nutrition and development is bidirectional. Nutritional inadequacy can impair growth, reduce neuroplasticity, disrupt neurotransmitter balance, and influence emotional regulation, attention, learning ability, and social interaction. Conversely, adequate nutrient intake during critical developmental windows, particularly the first 1,000 days of life, supports optimal body growth, brain architecture, and behavioral competence. Nutrient deficiencies rarely affect a single developmental domain; rather, they create interconnected consequences across physical, cognitive, and emotional systems. This review explores the scientific mechanisms underlying the Body-Brain-Behavior Axis and examines how early-life nutrition and micronutrients influence neurodevelopment and behavioral regulation. Understanding these biological connections provides an integrated framework for healthcare professionals to promote holistic child development through evidence-based nutritional strategies.
VL  - 12
IS  - 3
ER  - 

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