Dairy Foods for Cognitive Development in Infants

Reviewed by Megan Maisano, M.S., R.D.N.

Benefits of Dairy For Infant Cognitive Development 

• The American Academy of Pediatrics identified 14 nutrients critical to a child’s early brain development and lifelong mental health.

• Half of these 14 nutrients, including iodine and choline, can be found in dairy foods and play a key role in fetal neurodevelopment during the first 1,000 days.

• This early window, which spans from conception through age two, is crucial for laying the foundation for a child’s cognitive development. 

Including dairy, like milk, cheese and yogurt, as part of a nutritious eating pattern during pregnancy and early childhood can support healthy brain development and nutrition. 

Dairy plays an important role in a baby’s diet because it provides essential nutrients that are not only valuable for overall growth but also helps support the brain’s structural and functional development. Dairy foods contain a unique combination of protein, fat, vitamins, and minerals that contribute to cognitive function by supporting processes such as nerve signaling and brain cell growth. This means dairy does more than nourish the body; it plays an active role in helping a baby’s brain develop properly. 

While many people are familiar with vitamins such as A and B12, as well as nutrients like protein, zinc and iron, iodine and choline are two lesser-known but equally critical nutrients for brain development.  

“Many of us don’t hear about iodine or choline too often, but they both play an important role in early brain development,” said Megan Maisano, a registered dietitian with National Dairy Council. “In fact, research shows that intake of iodine and choline during pregnancy is positively associated with child cognitive outcomes.”

Benefits of Iodine and Choline for Infants

Iodine affects brain development through its role in producing thyroid hormones. These hormones regulate the growth, communication, and function of brain cells, which are essential for healthy cognitive development and help prevent intellectual disabilities. Iodine can be found in seafood, eggs and dairy foods. In the U.S., dairy foods account for nearly half the total iodine intake of girls and women. In fact, just one 8-ounce glass of milk provides nearly 60% of the recommended daily value of iodine. 

Alongside iodine, choline is another vital nutrient that plays a crucial role in brain development. Choline supports memory, attention, and learning by contributing to the structure of brain cells and aiding communication between them. While eggs and meat contain the highest amounts of choline per serving, dairy foods are a major source in the American diet, accounting for about 13% of choline consumption. One 8-ounce glass of milk provides about 8% of our daily value. 

Yet, many people do not get enough choline. Only about 10% of all Americans and 8% of pregnant women meet recommendations. 

“This truly is a window of opportunity to nourish that brain development,” Maisano said. “It’s really important that individuals of reproductive age are aware of these nutrients and strive to meet their needs through food and prenatal supplements.” 

How to Nourish Baby Brain Development in the First 1000 Days

Dairy foods—like milk, cheese and yogurt—supply key nutrients like iodine, choline, vitamins A and B12, selenium, zinc and protein, which support brain development during pregnancy and early childhood.  Including a variety of traditional and fortified dairy foods in a balanced diet helps ensure the developing brain receives the nourishment needed for optimal cognitive health. 

Milk, Cheese and Yogurt 

• Vitamin B12: Supports brain development and function
  • Plays an important role in DNA synthesis and myelination in the nervous system
• Iodine: Essential for healthy neurocognitive development and the prevention of intellectual disability
  • Required for thyroid hormones which play a role in the development, regulation and communication of brain cells
• Protein: Critical component for brain growth and development
  •   As an essential part of our cells, tissue, organs and neurotransmitters, it is key for cell proliferation, neural growth factors and brain development 
• Selenium: Antioxidant that plays an important role in neurodevelopment
  •   Supports thyroid hormone metabolism and DNA synthesis, important for brain function and antioxidant regulation

Fortified Dairy Products (e.g., fortified milk or cheese)

• Vitamin D:  Supports fetal brain development and optimal neurodevelopment (most milks and some yogurts are fortified)
  • Vitamin D signaling can affect important events in  brain development such as neuronal axon growth, neurotransmitter synthesis, nerve growth and brain function
• Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Major component of brain tissues, necessary for healthy growth and function (found in specialty fortified milks)
  • DHA, in particular, is a major component of brain tissue that is required for healthy cell membranes and neurotransmission
• Vitamin A: Plays an important role in the developing central nervous system (found in whole milk and fortified reduced fat milks)
  • Supports the regulation of gene expression,  neuron al differentiation and neural tube patterning