Executive function and IQ predict mathematical and attention problems in very preterm children

Objective of this study was to examine the impact of executive function (EF) on mathematical and attention problems in very preterm (gestational age ≤ 30 weeks) children. Participants were 200 very preterm (mean age 8.2 ± 2.5 years) and 230 term children (mean age 8.3 ± 2.3 years) without severe disabilities, born between 1996 and 2004. EFs assessed included verbal fluency, verbal working memory, visuospatial span, planning, and impulse control. Mathematics was assessed with the Dutch Pupil Monitoring System and parents and teachers rated attention problems using standardized behavior questionnaires. The impact of EF was calculated over and above processi

Meta-analysis of neurobehavioral outcomes in very preterm and/or very low birth weight children

Sequelae of academic underachievement, behavioral problems, and poor executive function (EF) have been extensively reported for very preterm ( 0.51). Very preterm and/or VLBW children have moderate-to-severe deficits in academic achievement, attention problems, and internalizing behavioral problems and poor EF, which are adverse outcomes that were strongly correlated to their immaturity at birth. During transition to young adulthood these children continue to lag behind term-born peer

Protein Concentration in Milk Formula, Growth, and Later Risk of Obesity: A Systematic Review

Background: Protein intake may influence important health outcomes in later life. Objective: The objective of this study was to investigate current evidence on the effects of infant formulas and follow-on formulas with different protein concentrations on infants' and children's growth, body composition, and later risk of overweight and obesity. Methods: In this systematic review, we searched electronic databases (including MEDLINE, Embase, and the Cochrane Library) up until November 2014 for randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Eligible studies had to include children aged 0-3 y who represented the general population and were fed cow milk-based infant formulas with variations in protein concentration. Control groups received lower-protein cow milk-based formulas (as defined by the authors). The primary outcomes were growth, overweight, obesity, and adiposity. Various time points for outcomes assessment were accepted for inclusion. If possible, a meta-analysis was performed. Results: Twelve RCTs met our inclusion criteria. Different formula protein concentrations did not affect linear growth other than a transient effect on mean length at 3 mo observed in a meta-analysis of 4 studies (mean difference, -0.27 cm; 95% CI: -0.52, -0.02). Lower mean weight and weight z scores obtained from the infants fed lower-protein formulas were observed only from 6 to 12 mo of age. Data from one large RCT showed that consumption of a lower-protein infant formula may reduce body mass index at 12 mo of age and later (12 mo, 24 mo, and 6y) and the risk of obesity at 6 y. Effects on body composition remained unclear. Conclusions: The current evidence is insufficient for assessing the effects of reducing the protein concentration in infant formulas on long-term outcomes, but, if confirmed, this could be a promising intervention for reducing the risk of overweight and obesity in children. In view of the limited available evidence, more studies replicating effects on long-term health outcomes are neede

Nutrition of infants and young children (one to three years) and its effect on later health: A systematic review of current recommendations (EarlyNutrition project)

EarlyNutrition ( www.project-earlynutrition.eu ) is an international research project investigating the effects of early nutrition on metabolic programming. To summarize, by performing a systematic review, current standards, recommendations, guidelines, and regulations (hereafter, referred to as documents) on the nutrition of children up to three years of age. Special emphasis was placed on long-term effects of early nutrition, such as the risk of cardiovascular disease, hypertension, overweight, obesity, metabolic syndrome, diabetes, or glucose intolerance. MEDLINE, selected databases, and websites were searched for documents published between 2008 and January 2013. Forty two documents met the inclusion criteria. The strongest and most consistent evidence for a protective, long-term effect was documented for breastfeeding. Also, limiting the intake of sodium and rapidly absorbed carbohydrates, use of a specific meal pattern, reducing the consumption of saturated fatty acids by replacing them with polyunsaturated fatty acids, and lowering the intake of trans fatty acids, seems beneficial. Many documents did not evaluate long-term outcomes of interest to us, or reported insufficient or imprecise data. Inconsistency in recommendations for some outcomes and research gaps were identified. Our findings may serve as a helpful tool in planning further research, preventive actions against important diet-related diseases, and guidelines improvemen

Summary of Hierarchical Linear Regression Analyses Using IQ, Speed Indices, and Executive Function, as Predictors for Mathematics and Attention Problems.

<p>Significant associations (<i>P</i><.05) are shown in bold type.^aEffects of group have been adjusted for grade or age, gender, and most prestigious level of parental education.^bEffects of group have been adjusted for grade or age, and most prestigious level of parental education.</p

Sample Characteristics of the Very Preterm and Term Group.

a<p>Age of the very preterm children is not corrected for prematurity.^bAdjusted for parental education. ^cHighest of two parents. Low  =  primary education only or prevocational secondary education; intermediate  =  3-year secondary education or middle vocational education; high  =  higher professional, university training or PhD.</p

Perinatal Characteristics of Very Preterm Children.

<p>Intra uterine growth retardation is defined as an SDS score of -2.0<i>SD</i> below expectation for gestational age. Septicaemia was defined as a positive blood culture. Necrotizing enterocolitis was defined according to criteria given by Bell et al. Respiratory distress was defined as requiring assisted ventilation.</p