Neuroimaging reveals lasting brain deficits in iron-deficient piglets

Posted on February 21, 2018 by Ryan

Iron deficiency in the first four weeks of a piglet’s life impairs the development of key brain structures.
The abnormalities remain even after four weeks of iron supplementation begun later in life.
Original Press Release
Frontiers in Neurology – Neuropediatrics Publication: https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fneur.2017.00735/full
Nutrients Publication: http://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/10/2/135

Prebiotics in infant formula could improve learning and memory and alter brain chemistry

Posted on January 24, 2018 by Ryan

Abstract Graphic

New research shows piglets fed prebiotics display increased learning and memory accompanied by changes in fermentation products and hippocampal serotonin.
The study adds to mounting research demonstrating a strong link between the gut and brain, and how nutrition plays a critical role.
Original Press Release
Nutritional Neuroscience Publication

Posted on August 21, 2017 by Ryan

Study identifies novel relationships between fecal microbiota and brain metabolites in the biomedical piglet model
Findings from this study indicated that Ruminococcus communicates with and makes changes to brain N-acetylaspartate concentrations indirectly through serum cortisol
Original Press Release
Gut Microbes Publication: http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/19490976.2017.1353849?scroll=top&needAccess=true

Posted on May 10, 2017 by Ryan

Piglet and Baby milk bottle cheers

After publishing several scientific papers on nutrition’s role in infant brain development, researchers in the Piglet Nutrition & Cognition Laboratory are working on ways to bring the science of what they study out of the lab and into the hands—and minds—of kids.
Frontiers for Young Minds is a scientific journal for kids, in which articles are written by distinguished scientists, and then edited and reviewed by kids. Researchers in Ryan Dilger’s laboratory recently published an article that distilled their previously-published research for kids to understand.
The ultimate goal of this publication is to inspire the next generation of scientists, to get them excited about research, and to encourage them to think critically about the world around them.
Frontiers Blog Post
Original Press Release
Frontiers for Young Minds Publication: https://kids.frontiersin.org/article/10.3389/frym.2017.00016

Posted on March 15, 2017 by Ryan

in a recent study researchers Stephen Fleming, graduate student, and Dr. Ryan Rilger, animal scientist, measure piglet exploratory behavior using the Novel Object Recognition Test.
This paper discusses the ability of piglets to recognize previously seen objects and the way they explore their environment. Measuring exploratory behavior provides a tool to assess piglet cognition, which will be used in the future to explore the effects of nutrition on cognitive development.
Behavioral Brain Research Publication:http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0166432816307458

Posted on January 20, 2017 by Ryan

In a recent review article published in Advances in Nutrition, Ryan Dilger, a U of I animal scientist and Austin Mudd, a doctoral student in the neuroscience program, provide background for the work they do with nutrition and neurodevelopment using the piglet as a model.
The new paper highlights several studies on pediatric nutrition of which brain development outcomes were the primary interest. The paper also describes technologies, including advances in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), that are being used to assess brain development, as well as outlines areas for future nutrition and neurodevelopment research.
Original Press Release
Advances in Nutrition Publication: http://advances.nutrition.org/content/8/1/92

Posted on October 21, 2016 by Ryan

Choline, an essential nutrient, is used by the body in many ways, including in the makeup of cellular membranes and neurodevelopment.
Choline deficiency during pregnancy has been shown to delay brain development in pig studies.
A new study shows choline deficiency during pregnancy also affects the nutrient composition of sow milk up to 19 days after birth.
The study also shows similarities in choline metabolites in sow and human milk composition.
Original Press Release
Journal of Nutrition Publication: http://jn.nutrition.org/content/early/2016/10/12/jn.116.238832.abstract

Posted on February 24, 2016 by Ryan

Study looks at effects of using a combination of dietary prebiotics, milk fat globule membrane, and lactoferrin on brain development.
Results of neuroimaging show that supplementation of these ingredients positively influenced postnatal brain development in the piglet model; a potentially important finding to consider when developing new pediatric nutrition products.
Original Press Release
Frontiers Publication: http://journal.frontiersin.org/article/10.3389/fped.2016.00004/full