So much is happening in the first few years

The first three years are a period of extraordinary brain growth. The foundations of seeing, hearing, memory, movement, cause and effect, planning, attention, multitasking, social awareness, and more are all laid down.

Unlike skin or muscle cells that constantly regenerate, the vast majority of the brain cells you have at age 3 are the ones you will have for the rest of your life.

Brain regions develop at different times

The brain is not one thing. There are actually dozens of brain regions and in the early years they are not growing uniformly. We know from MRI brain scan research that the various regions and processes of the brain grow and peak at different times.

For example, the primary visual cortex (cuneus) is forming before month 6. Language areas (Broca’s) begin structuring around month 10.

Each region has nutrient needs

Each brain region, as it grows, has specific nutritional requirements. For instance, when the cuneus, the primary visual cortex, and the middle and superior occipital gyri (regions responsible for visual processing and visuospatial perception) are growing, vitamin A, lutein, iodine, and zinc support their development.

Explore the nutrients found in our products and the critical role they play in brain development.

Neuroscience meets nutritional science

Cerebelly maps key developmental windows for each brain region with their corresponding nutritional needs. Meanwhile, our nutrition and culinary experts weigh in on the tastiest nutrient-dense ingredients that help us hit those targets. The result is delicious, organic baby food that supports brain development. No sugar‑coating necessary.

DHA

Key ways DHA supports your baby’s brain and body
  • A big role in early brain growth and development
  • Creation of new brain cells
  • Motor and sensory functions
  • Healthy eyes
  • Visual development
  • Building nerve cells
  • Nerve function
  • Healthy immune system
  • Reducing inflammation in the body
DHA supports the brain regions involved when your baby does things like...
  • Tracking a fast moving object with their eyes
  • Searching for an object where it was last seen
  • Babbling in ways that sound like real words
Some foods rich in DHA
  • Fatty fish like salmon, anchovies, mackerel, and tuna
  • Kelp and other seaweed
  • Algal oil
  • Omega-3 enriched eggs
references

Lauritzen L. DHA Effects in Brain Development and Function.Nutrients. 2016

Willats P. Effects of Nutrition on the Development of Higher-Order Cognition.Nestlé Nutr Inst Workshop Ser. 2018

Goyal M.S. Brain Nutrition: A Life Span Approach.Annu. Rev. Nutr. 2018

Lutein

Key ways lutein supports your baby’s brain and body
  • Healthy eyes
  • Visual development
  • Antioxidant properties
  • Thinking
  • Memory
  • Language
Lutein supports the brain regions involved when your baby does things like...
  • Hold your gaze a little longer each time
  • Look to an object making noise
Some foods rich in lutein
  • Tomatoes
  • Dark, leafy greens like spinach and kale
  • Peas
  • Broccoli
  • Winter squash, like pumpkin and butternut squash
  • Okra
  • Zucchini
  • Oranges
  • Grapefruit
references

Saint S.E. The Macular Carotenoids are Associated with Cognitive Function in Preadolescent Children.Nutrients. 2018

Johnson E.J. Role of lutein and zeaxanthin in visual and cognitive function throughout the lifespan.Nutr Rev. 2014

Erdman J.W. Jr. Lutein and Brain Function.Foods. 2015

Protein

Key ways protein supports your baby’s brain and body
  • Building muscles
  • Building strong bones
  • Whole-body growth
  • Brain scaffolding—building out the cells and structures
  • Memory
  • Communication between brain cells
Protein supports the brain regions involved when your baby does things like...
  • Recognize familiar faces
  • Put objects in a container
  • Take her first steps
Some foods rich in protein
  • Beans
  • Quinoa
  • Peas
  • Chickpeas
  • Meat—beef, chicken, turkey, pork, and more
  • Fish
  • Tofu
  • Milk
  • Yogurt
  • Cottage cheese
  • Pumpkin seeds
references

Cusick S.E. The Role of Nutrition in Brain Development: The Golden Opportunity of the "First 1000 Days."Journal of Pediatrics. 2016

Georgieff M.K. Nutrition and the developing brain: nutrient priorities and measurement.The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. 2007

Goyal M.S. Brain Nutrition: A Life Span Approach.Annu. Rev. Nutr. 2018

Vitamin E

Key ways vitamin E supports your baby’s brain and body
  • Language
  • Antioxidant properties
  • Healthy eyes
  • Visual development
  • Healthy immune system
  • Healthy blood vessels
  • Building nerve cells
  • Nerve function
Vitamin E supports the brain regions involved when your baby does things like...
  • Enjoy being read to and follow pictures in books
  • Repeat actions that attract attention
  • Say “mama” and “dada” with meaning
Some foods rich in vitamin E
  • Sunflower seeds
  • Dark, leafy greens like spinach and kale
  • Broccoli
  • Papayas
  • Avocados
references

National Institutes of Health on vitamin E National Institutes of Health

Bourre J.M. Effects of nutrients (in food) on the structure and function of the nervous system: update on dietary requirements for brain. Part 1: micronutrients.J Nutr Health Aging. 2006

Gonzalez H.F. Micronutrients and neurodevelopment: An update.Arch Argent Pediatr. 2016

Desrumaux C.M. Brain Vitamin E Deficiency During Development Is Associated With Increased Glutamate Levels and Anxiety in Adult Mice.Front. Behav. Neurosci. 2018

Choline

Key ways choline supports your baby’s brain and body
  • Making brain cells
  • Communication between brain cells
  • Healthy liver function
  • Muscle movement
Choline supports the brain regions involved when your baby does things like...
  • Pull himself forward on his tummy
  • Bang objects together
  • Tell the difference between family and strangers
Some foods rich in choline
  • Broccoli
  • Quinoa
  • Pumpkin seeds
  • Squash seeds
  • Spinach
  • Eggs (mostly in the yolk)
  • Chicken
  • Turkey
  • Asparagus
  • Collard greens
  • Cabbage
references

National Institutes of Health on choline. National Institutes of Health

Fuglestad A. The Role of Nutrition in Cognitive Development.Handbook of Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience, Second Edition. 2008

Gonzalez H.F. Micronutrients and neurodevelopment: An update.Arch Argent Pediatr. 2016

Goyal M.S. Brain Nutrition: A Life Span Approach.Annual Rev Nutr. 2018

Wiedeman A.M. Dietary Choline Intake: Current State of Knowledge Across the Life Cycle.Nutrients. 2018

Diagram of a brain with the hippocampus highlighted, labeled 'Brain region: Hippocampus'.

Copper

Key ways copper supports your baby’s brain and body
  • Thinking
  • Protecting brain cells against damage
  • Motor control
  • Balance
  • Antioxidant properties
  • Iron absorption
  • Bone strength
Copper supports the brain regions involved when your baby does things like...
  • Hold on to your shirt when she is being held
  • Hold her head upright by herself
  • Make gestures that are more purposeful and less primitive
Some foods rich in copper
  • Sunflower seeds
  • Mangoes
  • Spinach
  • Nuts
  • Kale
  • Lentils
references

National Institutes of Health on copper National Institutes of Health

Georgieff M.K. Nutrition and the developing brain: nutrient priorities and measurement.The American journal of clinical nutrition. 2007

Gonzalez H.F. Micronutrients and neurodevelopment: An update.Arch Argent Pediatr. 2016

Prado E.L. Nutrition and brain development in early life.Nutrition Reviews. 2014

Selenium

Key ways selenium supports your baby’s brain and body
  • Auditory function—hearing, speech, language
  • Motor control
  • Antioxidant properties
  • Healthy immune system
  • Whole-body growth
  • Memory
  • Communication between cells in the body
Selenium supports the brain regions involved when your baby does things like...
  • Turn her head toward sounds
  • Explore objects more thoroughly
  • Repeat words
Some foods rich in selenium
  • Sunflower seeds
  • Spinach
  • Brazil nuts
  • Tuna
  • Ham
  • Sardines
references

National Institutes of Health on selenium National Institutes of Health

Cusick S.E. The Role of Nutrition in Brain Development: The Golden Opportunity of the "First 1000 Days."Journal of Pediatrics. 2016

Fuglestad A. The Role of Nutrition in Cognitive Development.Handbook of Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience, Second Edition. 2008

Zinc

Key ways zinc supports your baby’s brain and body
  • Growth for pretty much everything—cells, enzymes, brain, body, and more
  • Communication between brain cells
  • Development of taste and smell
  • Healthy immune system
  • Maintaining the structure of DNA
  • Healthy skin
Zinc supports the brain regions involved when your baby does things like...
  • Smile at himself in the mirror
  • Reach for toys beyond her
  • Lift his own head during tummy time, or while resting on your chest
Some foods rich in zinc
  • Spinach
  • Beans, including white beans and kidney beans
  • Flax seeds
  • Egg yolks
  • Beef
  • Almonds
references

National Institutes of Health on zinc National Institutes of Health

American Academy of Pediatrics Committee on Nutrition. Section IV: Micronutrients and Macronutrients.In: Pediatric Nutrition. 7th ed. 2014

Cusick S.E. The Role of Nutrition in Brain Development: The Golden Opportunity of the "First 1000 Days."Journal of Pediatrics. 2016

Gonzalez H.F. Micronutrients and neurodevelopment: An update.Arch Argent Pediatr. 2016

Prado E.L. Nutrition and brain development in early life.Nutrition Reviews. 2014

Iodine

Key ways iodine supports your baby’s brain and body
  • Language
  • Vision
  • Neuromuscular development
  • Thyroid function
  • Metabolism—converting energy from food to energy in the body
  • Communication between brain cells
Iodine supports the brain regions involved when your baby does things like...
  • Watch other children with great interest
  • Engage in games like peek-a-boo
  • Move easily on hands and knees
Some foods rich in iodine
  • Kelp and other seaweed
  • Shrimp
  • Milk
  • Fish—tuna, cod, and haddock
  • Potatoes
  • Eggs
  • Bananas
references

National Institutes of Health on iodine National Institutes of Health

Choudhry H. Iodine consumption and cognitive performance: Confirmation of adequate consumption. Food Sci Nutr. 2018.

Gonzalez H.F. Micronutrients and neurodevelopment: An update. Arch Argent Pediatr. 2016

Yakoob M.Y. Nutrition (Micronutrients) in Child Growth and Development: A Systematic Review on Current Evidence, Recommendations and Opportunities for Further Research. J Dev Behav Pediatr. 2017

Vitamin B12

Key ways vitamin B12 supports your baby’s brain and body
  • Making red blood cells
  • Central nervous system
  • Digesting proteins
  • General brain function
  • Creation of DNA
Vitamin B12 supports the brain regions involved when your baby does things like...
  • Make sounds when she hears a song
  • Bang pots and pans together then pause to hear the sound
  • Build a tower with blocks
Some foods rich in vitamin B12
  • Shrimp
  • Fish
  • Eggs
  • Meat—beef, chicken, turkey, pork, and more
  • Cheese
  • Yogurt
references

National Institutes of Health on vitamin B12 National Institutes of Health

Gonzalez H.F. Micronutrients and neurodevelopment: An update.Arch Argent Pediatr. 2016

Goyal M.S. Brain Nutrition: A Life Span Approach.Annu. Rev. Nutr. 2018

Kennedy D.O. B Vitamins and the Brain: Mechanisms, Dose and Efficacy—A Review.Nutrients. 2016

Vitamin B9

Key ways folate supports your baby’s brain and body
  • Making brain cells
  • Communication between brain cells
  • Motor and sensory functions
  • Making red blood cells
  • Maintaining the structure of DNA
Folate supports the brain regions involved when your baby does things like...
  • Show interest in other infants
  • Hold his head up by himself
  • Sit up on her own
Some foods rich in folate
  • Dark, leafy greens like spinach and kale
  • Chickpeas
  • Broccoli
  • Mangoes
  • Soybeans (edamame)
  • Lentils
  • Asparagus
  • Avocados
  • Oranges and other citrus fruits
references

National Institutes of Health on folateNational Institutes of Health

Gonzalez H.F. Micronutrients and neurodevelopment: An update.Arch Argent Pediatr. 2016

Kennedy D.O. B Vitamins and the Brain: Mechanisms, Dose and Efficacy—A Review.Nutrients. 2016

Prado E.L. Nutrition and brain development in early life.Nutrition Reviews. 2014

Yakoob M.Y. Nutrition (Micronutrients) in Child Growth and Development: A Systematic Review on Current Evidence, Recommendations and Opportunities for Further Research.J Dev Behav Pediatr. 2017

Vitamin B6

Key ways vitamin B6 supports your baby’s brain and body
  • Protein metabolism
  • Making neurotransmitters that regulate emotions
  • Healthy immune system
  • Making hemoglobin—the protein in blood that carries oxygen throughout the body
Vitamin B6 supports the brain regions involved when your baby does things like...
  • Show emotion or affection
  • Get excited after she masters a task
  • Bring things to his mouth
Some foods rich in vitamin B6
  • Chickpeas
  • Mangoes
  • Spinach
  • Sunflower seeds
  • Sweet potatoes
  • Tuna
  • Avocados
  • Chicken
  • Bananas
references

National Institutes of Health on vitamin B6National Institutes of Health

Gonzalez H.F. Micronutrients and neurodevelopment: An update.Arch Argent Pediatr. 2016

Goyal M.S. Brain Nutrition: A Life Span ApproachAnnu. Rev. Nutr. 2018

Prado E.L. Nutrition and brain development in early life.Nutrition Reviews. 2014

Vitamin B3

Key ways niacin supports your baby’s brain and body
  • Balance
  • Motor control
  • Metabolism—converting energy from food to energy in the body
  • Communication between cells in the body
  • Healthy skin
Niacin supports the brain regions involved when your baby does things like...
  • Transfer objects from one hand to another
  • Roll from his back to his belly
  • Develop preferences for things, such as favorite toys
Some foods rich in niacin
  • Peas
  • Squash seeds
  • Broccoli
  • Beans
  • Meat—beef, chicken, turkey, pork, and more
  • Fish
  • Avocados
  • Shiitake mushrooms
  • Barley
  • Bell peppers
  • Peanuts
references

National Institutes of Health on niacinNational Institutes of Health

Goyal M.S. Brain Nutrition: A Life Span Approach.Annu. Rev. Nutr. 2018

Prado E.L. Nutrition and brain development in early life.Nutrition Reviews. 2014

Vitamin A

Key ways vitamin A supports your baby’s brain and body
  • Language
  • Visual development
  • Healthy immune system
  • Neuromuscular development
  • Whole-body growth
  • Proper cell function in organs like the heart, liver, and brain
Vitamin A supports the brain regions involved when your baby does things like...
  • Shift her body to see things better
  • Lift a blanket to see a toy underneath
Some foods rich in vitamin A
  • Dark, leafy greens like spinach and kale
  • Sweet potatoes
  • Broccoli
  • Carrots
  • Mangoes
  • Milk, yogurt, cheese, and other dairy foods
  • Fish
  • Liver
references

National Institutes of Health on vitamin ANational Institutes of Health


Reboul E. Absorption of Vitamin A and Carotenoids by the Enterocyte: Focus on Transport Proteins.
Nutrients. 2013

Diagram of a brain with the hippocampus highlighted, labeled 'Brain region: Hippocampus'.

Vitamin D

Key ways vitamin D supports your baby’s brain and body
  • Improved calcium absorption for stronger bones
  • Balance
  • Healthy immune system
  • Communication between brain cells
  • Protecting brain cells against damage
  • Building nerve cells
  • Nerve function
Vitamin D supports the brain regions involved when your baby does things like...
  • Copy your movements, such as clapping your hands
  • Look to find you in the room
  • Go from hands and knees to sitting
Some foods rich in vitamin D
  • Mushrooms
  • Fatty fish like salmon, anchovies, mackerel, and tuna
  • Cheese
  • Egg yolks
  • Tofu
  • Milk and other foods fortified with vitamin D
references

National Institutes of Health on vitamin DNational Institutes of Health

Anjum I. The Role of Vitamin D in Brain Health: A Mini Literature Review.Cureus. 2018

Gonzalez H.F. Micronutrients and neurodevelopment: An update.Arch Argent Pediatr. 2016

Yakoob M.Y. Nutrition (Micronutrients) in Child Growth and Development: A Systematic Review on Current Evidence, Recommendations and Opportunities for Further Research.J Dev Behav Pediatr. 2017

Iron

Key ways iron supports your baby’s brain and body
  • Thinking
  • Learning
  • Motor function
  • Making red blood cells
  • Building muscles
Iron supports the brain regions involved when your baby does things like...
  • Stand solo
  • Walk holding on to furniture
  • Act frustrated when told, “No”
Some foods rich in iron
  • Beef
  • Chicken
  • Turkey
  • Beans
  • Spinach
  • Broccoli
  • Chickpeas
  • Squash seeds
  • Peas
  • Green beans
  • Fish
  • Tofu
  • Iron-fortified infant cereal
  • Other iron-fortified foods
references

National Institutes of Health on ironNational Institutes of Health

Cerami C. Iron Nutriture of the Fetus, Neonate, Infant, and Child.Ann Nutr Metab. 2017

Domellöf M. Iron requirements of infants and toddlers.J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr. 2014

Gonzalez H.F. Micronutrients and neurodevelopment: An update.Arch Argent Pediatr. 2016