Chewies: Child's Brain Development and Eye Health

The brain is instrumental to vision as it helps make sense of the images the eyes see. In addition to eye health, certain nutrients supporting good vision are also critical for development of a healthy brain.  It’s no secret that good nutrition lays the groundwork for the healthy development of children.

Malaysiakini recently interviewed Dr. Wong, Professor of Paediatrics, Consultant Paediatrician and Child Neurologist and Foong, Principal Dietitian on their insights on children's brain and eye development and health.

Who should you look for if you suspect your child have delay in development

According to Doctor Wong, a paediatric neurologist, is a doctor who treats children who have problems with their nervous system. Problems in the nervous system can start in the brain, nerves, or muscles. These can lead to problems such as seizures, headaches, or developmental delays.

“Based on my experience, not many children suffer from neurological disorders. Most of the disorders are treatable or its severity can be reduced. The three neurological conditions that I normally see are epilepsies, developmental issues and behavioural disorders,” he shared candidly.

Epilepsy, developmental issues and behavioural disorders in children

“Epilepsy is a brain condition that causes a child to have seizures, lose their consciousness, eye rolling and among other effects. Developmental issues are related to the development of the brain. For example if it's a congenital one we are looking at malformation of the brain. Other types of development disorders consist of delayed learning disorder, problems with concentration and attention and sensory deficits”

He further explained that behavioural disorder happens when some children exhibit behaviours that deviates from the normal norms. For example autism which we commonly hear about, then there is also Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) and also Conduct Disorder.

Diet plays a role in early brain development and health

Foong said that brain development goes hand in hand with the overall child's growth. During the pregnancy stage, maternal nutrition is very important. It is vital for pregnant mothers to get enough energy, protein, fats and micronutrients such as iron, folic acid, B12, DHA and Zinc. Folic acid and B12 are paramount for brain development.

Is it safe to diet while you are pregnant?

“If the pregnant mothers diet consists of balanced nutrition without taking out specific major food groups totally, then it should be okay,” Foong added. 

Misconceptions about childhood nutrition and health

Foong explained that one of the misconceptions about childhood nutrition and health is the perception of parents that the more expensive the food is, the more nutritional value it contains. However, this is not necessarily true. 

For example, some parents would buy imported fruits like berries because they have high antioxidants, not knowing that our local fruits like papaya and guava also have the adequate nutrition value at just a fraction of the cost.

Lately there are also many people that practise restrictive dietary patterns, for example being vegetarian or being vegans where they do not consume animal products. This eating habit must be closely monitored especially if it's for children less than five years old. Some of these restrictive dietary patterns may not provide the adequate protein, iron and B12 which are mostly found in animal products. 

Keep your eyes healthy

Good eye health also starts with the food on your plate. Nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids, lutein, zinc, and vitamins C and E might help ward off age-related vision problems like macular degeneration and cataracts.

“Two important antioxidants for your eyes are lutein and zeaxanthin as they are the main pigment found in the yellow spot of the human retina. It also filters the blue light that enters the eyes,” said Foong.

Lutein and zeaxanthin can be found in green leafy vegetables such as spinach, broccoli, kale and others. They are also found in orange and yellow colored vegetables like carrots and bell peppers.

Apart from eating healthy, a regular eye exam is also equally important, even for young children. It helps protect your vision and lets you see your best. Eye exams can also find diseases, like glaucoma, that have no symptoms. It's important to spot them early on, when they're easier to treat.

Keep your children healthy with Chewies

Chewies is a brand of health supplements that has been helping parents keep their children healthy since 1975. It provides the vitamins and minerals children need to grow and thrive well. 

Chewies EyeQ focuses on children's brain development (for fast learners) and improves eye health (Filter blue light). It contains DHA (source from Algae) clinically proven to improve reading performance at school by 50% while children behavioural at 57%.

Getting children to take them regularly would not be a struggle as it provides orange and mixed fruits flavours. With this convenience, parents will have peace of mind that they are doing their best to keep their children healthy and happy.

Get your Chewies EyeQ today via authorised pharmacies or e-commerce platforms today.