Nutritional and Environmental Influences on Neurodevelopment

This 1-day Mainpro+ certified continuing medical education program examines the current evidence for nutritional support of healthy neurodevelopment in children, with a focus on the influences of internal (nutrition, microbiome) and external (environmental) health. 

Factors contributing to the increase in autism spectrum and other neurodevelopmental disorders include environmental toxicants, alterations in the development of the microbiome, immune dysregulation, and oxidative stress. There is an ever-increasing volume of research literature that identifies plausible nutritional interventions and disease prevention strategies. 

The material being presented is designed to enhance health care providers knowledge of neurodevelopmental conditions. Various levels of evidence are presented for evaluation and discussion, to improve communication with patients regarding health promotion, disease prevention and preferences for treatment.

At the conclusion of this activity, participants will be able to: Identify nutritional and environmental factors influencing neurodevelopment and explain how these factors can be modified for disease prevention; Describe specific biochemical interactions and metabolic pathways that are affected by nutrient deficiencies and neurotoxic molecules; Evaluate current research literature pertaining to the microbiome and nutritional intervention in autism spectrum disorder; Communicate more knowledgeably with patients about the influences of prenatal health and early nutrition on neurodevelopmental outcomes.

Complimentary registration for medical and health sciences students via online scholarship application - https://isom.ca/event/neuro-2020/