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**The only baby food with 16 brain-supporting nutrients**

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## Your brain is

It's how you think and feel. Work and play. Laugh and love. It's how you experience the world

#### So much is happening in the first few years

The first three years are a period of extraordinary brain growth. The foundations of seeing, hearing, memory, movement, cause and effect, planning, attention, multitasking, social awareness, and more are all laid down.

Unlike skin or muscle cells that constantly regenerate, the vast majority of the brain cells you have at age 3 are the ones you will have for the rest of your life.

#### Brain regions develop at different times

The brain is not one thing. There are actually dozens of brain regions and in the early years they are not growing uniformly. We know from MRI brain scan research that the various regions and processes of the brain grow and peak at different times.

For example, the primary visual cortex (cuneus) is forming before month 6. Language areas (Broca’s) begin structuring around month 10.

#### Each region has nutrient needs

Each brain region, as it grows, has specific nutritional requirements. For instance, when the cuneus, the primary visual cortex, and the middle and superior occipital gyri (regions responsible for visual processing and visuospatial perception) are growing, vitamin A, lutein, iodine, and zinc support their development.

Explore the nutrients found in our products and the critical role they play in brain development.

## Neuroscience meets nutritional science

Cerebelly maps key developmental windows for each brain region with their corresponding nutritional needs. Meanwhile, our nutrition and culinary experts weigh in on the tastiest nutrient-dense ingredients that help us hit those targets. The result is delicious, organic baby food that supports brain development. No sugar‑coating necessary.

DHA

Lutein

Protein

Vitamin E

Choline

Copper

Selenium

Zinc

Iodine

Vitamin B12

Vitamin B9

Vitamin B6

Vitamin B3

Vitamin A

Vitamin D

Iron

PreviousNext

### DHA

###### Key ways DHA supports your baby’s brain and body

- A big role in early brain growth and development
- Creation of new brain cells
- Motor and sensory functions
- Healthy eyes
- Visual development
- Building nerve cells
- Nerve function
- Healthy immune system
- Reducing inflammation in the body

###### DHA supports the brain regions involved when your baby does things like...

- Tracking a fast moving object with their eyes
- Searching for an object where it was last seen
- Babbling in ways that sound like real words

###### Some foods rich in DHA

- Fatty fish like salmon, anchovies, mackerel, and tuna
- Kelp and other seaweed
- Algal oil
- Omega-3 enriched eggs

references

[Lauritzen L. DHA Effects in Brain Development and Function.](https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/8/1/6/htm) Nutrients. 2016

[Willats P. Effects of Nutrition on the Development of Higher-Order Cognition.](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29991041) Nestlé Nutr Inst Workshop Ser. 2018

[Goyal M.S. Brain Nutrition: A Life Span Approach.](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29856933) Annu. Rev. Nutr. 2018

### Lutein

###### Key ways lutein supports your baby’s brain and body

- Healthy eyes
- Visual development
- Antioxidant properties
- Thinking
- Memory
- Language

###### Lutein supports the brain regions involved when your baby does things like...

- Hold your gaze a little longer each time
- Look to an object making noise

###### Some foods rich in lutein

- Tomatoes
- Dark, leafy greens like spinach and kale
- Peas
- Broccoli
- Winter squash, like pumpkin and butternut squash
- Okra
- Zucchini
- Oranges
- Grapefruit

references

[Saint S.E. The Macular Carotenoids are Associated with Cognitive Function in Preadolescent Children.](https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/10/2/193) Nutrients. 2018

[Johnson E.J. Role of lutein and zeaxanthin in visual and cognitive function throughout the lifespan.](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25109868) Nutr Rev. 2014

[Erdman J.W. Jr. Lutein and Brain Function.](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4638416/pdf/foods-04-00547.pdf) Foods. 2015

### Protein

###### Key ways protein supports your baby’s brain and body

- Building muscles
- Building strong bones
- Whole-body growth
- Brain scaffolding—building out the cells and structures
- Memory
- Communication between brain cells

###### Protein supports the brain regions involved when your baby does things like...

- Recognize familiar faces
- Put objects in a container
- Take her first steps

###### Some foods rich in protein

- Beans
- Quinoa
- Peas
- Chickpeas
- Meat—beef, chicken, turkey, pork, and more
- Fish
- Tofu
- Milk
- Yogurt
- Cottage cheese
- Pumpkin seeds

references

[Cusick S.E. The Role of Nutrition in Brain Development: The Golden Opportunity of the "First 1000 Days."](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27266965) Journal of Pediatrics. 2016

[Georgieff M.K. Nutrition and the developing brain: nutrient priorities and measurement.](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17284765) The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. 2007

[Goyal M.S. Brain Nutrition: A Life Span Approach.](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29856933) Annu. Rev. Nutr. 2018

### Vitamin E

###### Key ways vitamin E supports your baby’s brain and body

- Language
- Antioxidant properties
- Healthy eyes
- Visual development
- Healthy immune system
- Healthy blood vessels
- Building nerve cells
- Nerve function

###### Vitamin E supports the brain regions involved when your baby does things like...

- Enjoy being read to and follow pictures in books
- Repeat actions that attract attention
- Say “mama” and “dada” with meaning

###### Some foods rich in vitamin E

- Sunflower seeds
- Dark, leafy greens like spinach and kale
- Broccoli
- Papayas
- Avocados

references

[National Institutes of Health on vitamin E](https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminE-Consumer/) National Institutes of Health

[Bourre J.M. Effects of nutrients (in food) on the structure and function of the nervous system: update on dietary requirements for brain. Part 1: micronutrients.](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17066209) J Nutr Health Aging. 2006

[Gonzalez H.F. Micronutrients and neurodevelopment: An update.](https://www.sap.org.ar/docs/publicaciones/archivosarg/2016/v114n6a16e.pdf) Arch Argent Pediatr. 2016

[Desrumaux C.M. Brain Vitamin E Deficiency During Development Is Associated With Increased Glutamate Levels and Anxiety in Adult Mice.](https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fnbeh.2018.00310/full) Front. Behav. Neurosci. 2018

### Choline

###### Key ways choline supports your baby’s brain and body

- Making brain cells
- Communication between brain cells
- Healthy liver function
- Muscle movement

###### Choline supports the brain regions involved when your baby does things like...

- Pull himself forward on his tummy
- Bang objects together
- Tell the difference between family and strangers

###### Some foods rich in choline

- Broccoli
- Quinoa
- Pumpkin seeds
- Squash seeds
- Spinach
- Eggs (mostly in the yolk)
- Chicken
- Turkey
- Asparagus
- Collard greens
- Cabbage

references

[National Institutes of Health on choline.](https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Choline-Consumer/) National Institutes of Health

[Fuglestad A. The Role of Nutrition in Cognitive Development.](https://mitpress.mit.edu/books/handbook-developmental-cognitive-neuroscience-second-edition) Handbook of Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience, Second Edition. 2008

[Goyal M.S. Brain Nutrition: A Life Span Approach.](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29856933) Annual Rev Nutr. 2018

[Wiedeman A.M. Dietary Choline Intake: Current State of Knowledge Across the Life Cycle.](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6213596/) Nutrients. 2018

### Copper

###### Key ways copper supports your baby’s brain and body

- Thinking
- Protecting brain cells against damage
- Motor control
- Balance
- Antioxidant properties
- Iron absorption
- Bone strength

###### Copper supports the brain regions involved when your baby does things like...

- Hold on to your shirt when she is being held
- Hold her head upright by herself
- Make gestures that are more purposeful and less primitive

###### Some foods rich in copper

- Sunflower seeds
- Mangoes
- Spinach
- Nuts
- Kale
- Lentils

references

[National Institutes of Health on copper](https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Copper-Consumer/) National Institutes of Health

[Prado E.L. Nutrition and brain development in early life.](https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/nure.12102) Nutrition Reviews. 2014

### Selenium

###### Key ways selenium supports your baby’s brain and body

- Auditory function—hearing, speech, language
- Motor control
- Antioxidant properties
- Healthy immune system
- Whole-body growth
- Memory
- Communication between cells in the body

###### Selenium supports the brain regions involved when your baby does things like...

- Turn her head toward sounds
- Explore objects more thoroughly
- Repeat words

###### Some foods rich in selenium

- Sunflower seeds
- Spinach
- Brazil nuts
- Tuna
- Ham
- Sardines

references

[National Institutes of Health on selenium](https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Selenium-Consumer/) National Institutes of Health

### Zinc

###### Key ways zinc supports your baby’s brain and body

- Growth for pretty much everything—cells, enzymes, brain, body, and more
- Communication between brain cells
- Development of taste and smell
- Healthy immune system
- Maintaining the structure of DNA
- Healthy skin

###### Zinc supports the brain regions involved when your baby does things like...

- Smile at himself in the mirror
- Reach for toys beyond her
- Lift his own head during tummy time, or while resting on your chest

###### Some foods rich in zinc

- Spinach
- Beans, including white beans and kidney beans
- Flax seeds
- Egg yolks
- Beef
- Almonds

references

[National Institutes of Health on zinc](https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Zinc-Consumer/) National Institutes of Health

[American Academy of Pediatrics Committee on Nutrition. Section IV: Micronutrients and Macronutrients.](https://shop.aap.org/pediatric-nutrition-7th-edition-ebook/) In: Pediatric Nutrition. 7th ed. 2014

[Prado E.L. Nutrition and brain development in early life.](https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/nure.12102) Nutrition Reviews. 2014

### Iodine

###### Key ways iodine supports your baby’s brain and body

- Language
- Vision
- Neuromuscular development
- Thyroid function
- Metabolism—converting energy from food to energy in the body
- Communication between brain cells

###### Iodine supports the brain regions involved when your baby does things like...

- Watch other children with great interest
- Engage in games like peek-a-boo
- Move easily on hands and knees

###### Some foods rich in iodine

- Kelp and other seaweed
- Shrimp
- Milk
- Fish—tuna, cod, and haddock
- Potatoes
- Eggs
- Bananas

references

[National Institutes of Health on iodine](https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Iodine-Consumer/) National Institutes of Health

[Choudhry H. Iodine consumption and cognitive performance: Confirmation of adequate consumption.](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6145226/pdf/FSN3-6-1341.pdf) Food Sci Nutr. 2018.

[Yakoob M.Y. Nutrition (Micronutrients) in Child Growth and Development: A Systematic Review on Current Evidence, Recommendations and Opportunities for Further Research.](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28746059) J Dev Behav Pediatr. 2017

### Vitamin B12

###### Key ways vitamin B12 supports your baby’s brain and body

- Making red blood cells
- Central nervous system
- Digesting proteins
- General brain function
- Creation of DNA

###### Vitamin B12 supports the brain regions involved when your baby does things like...

- Make sounds when she hears a song
- Bang pots and pans together then pause to hear the sound
- Build a tower with blocks

###### Some foods rich in vitamin B12

- Shrimp
- Fish
- Eggs
- Meat—beef, chicken, turkey, pork, and more
- Cheese
- Yogurt

references

[National Institutes of Health on vitamin B12](https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminB12-Consumer/) National Institutes of Health

[Goyal M.S. Brain Nutrition: A Life Span Approach.](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29856933) Annu. Rev. Nutr. 2018

[Kennedy D.O. B Vitamins and the Brain: Mechanisms, Dose and Efficacy—A Review.](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4772032/pdf/nutrients-08-00068.pdf) Nutrients. 2016

### Vitamin B9

###### Key ways folate supports your baby’s brain and body

- Making brain cells
- Communication between brain cells
- Motor and sensory functions
- Making red blood cells
- Maintaining the structure of DNA

###### Folate supports the brain regions involved when your baby does things like...

- Show interest in other infants
- Hold his head up by himself
- Sit up on her own

###### Some foods rich in folate

- Dark, leafy greens like spinach and kale
- Chickpeas
- Broccoli
- Mangoes
- Soybeans (edamame)
- Lentils
- Asparagus
- Avocados
- Oranges and other citrus fruits

references

[National Institutes of Health on folate](https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Folate-Consumer/) National Institutes of Health

[Prado E.L. Nutrition and brain development in early life.](https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/nure.12102) Nutrition Reviews. 2014

### Vitamin B6

###### Key ways vitamin B6 supports your baby’s brain and body

- Protein metabolism
- Making neurotransmitters that regulate emotions
- Healthy immune system
- Making hemoglobin—the protein in blood that carries oxygen throughout the body

###### Vitamin B6 supports the brain regions involved when your baby does things like...

- Show emotion or affection
- Get excited after she masters a task
- Bring things to his mouth

###### Some foods rich in vitamin B6

- Chickpeas
- Mangoes
- Spinach
- Sunflower seeds
- Sweet potatoes
- Tuna
- Avocados
- Chicken
- Bananas

references

[National Institutes of Health on vitamin B6](https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminB6-Consumer/) National Institutes of Health

[Goyal M.S. Brain Nutrition: A Life Span Approach](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29856933) Annu. Rev. Nutr. 2018

[Prado E.L. Nutrition and brain development in early life.](https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/nure.12102) Nutrition Reviews. 2014

### Vitamin B3

###### Key ways niacin supports your baby’s brain and body

- Balance
- Motor control
- Metabolism—converting energy from food to energy in the body
- Communication between cells in the body
- Healthy skin

###### Niacin supports the brain regions involved when your baby does things like...

- Transfer objects from one hand to another
- Roll from his back to his belly
- Develop preferences for things, such as favorite toys

###### Some foods rich in niacin

- Peas
- Squash seeds
- Broccoli
- Beans
- Meat—beef, chicken, turkey, pork, and more
- Fish
- Avocados
- Shiitake mushrooms
- Barley
- Bell peppers
- Peanuts

references

[National Institutes of Health on niacin](https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Niacin-Consumer/) National Institutes of Health

[Goyal M.S. Brain Nutrition: A Life Span Approach.](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29856933) Annu. Rev. Nutr. 2018

[Prado E.L. Nutrition and brain development in early life.](https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/nure.12102) Nutrition Reviews. 2014

### Vitamin A

###### Key ways vitamin A supports your baby’s brain and body

- Language
- Visual development
- Healthy immune system
- Neuromuscular development
- Whole-body growth
- Proper cell function in organs like the heart, liver, and brain

###### Vitamin A supports the brain regions involved when your baby does things like...

- Shift her body to see things better
- Lift a blanket to see a toy underneath

###### Some foods rich in vitamin A

- Dark, leafy greens like spinach and kale
- Sweet potatoes
- Broccoli
- Carrots
- Mangoes
- Milk, yogurt, cheese, and other dairy foods
- Fish
- Liver

references

[National Institutes of Health on vitamin A](https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminA-HealthProfessional/) National Institutes of Health

Reboul E. Absorption of Vitamin A and Carotenoids by the Enterocyte: Focus on Transport Proteins.

Nutrients. 2013

### Vitamin D

###### Key ways vitamin D supports your baby’s brain and body

- Improved calcium absorption for stronger bones
- Balance
- Healthy immune system
- Communication between brain cells
- Protecting brain cells against damage
- Building nerve cells
- Nerve function

###### Vitamin D supports the brain regions involved when your baby does things like...

- Copy your movements, such as clapping your hands
- Look to find you in the room
- Go from hands and knees to sitting

###### Some foods rich in vitamin D

- Mushrooms
- Fatty fish like salmon, anchovies, mackerel, and tuna
- Cheese
- Egg yolks
- Tofu
- Milk and other foods fortified with vitamin D

references

[National Institutes of Health on vitamin D](https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminD-Consumer/) National Institutes of Health

[Anjum I. The Role of Vitamin D in Brain Health: A Mini Literature Review.](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6132681/pdf/cureus-0010-00000002960.pdf) Cureus. 2018

### Iron

###### Key ways iron supports your baby’s brain and body

- Thinking
- Learning
- Motor function
- Making red blood cells
- Building muscles

###### Iron supports the brain regions involved when your baby does things like...

- Stand solo
- Walk holding on to furniture
- Act frustrated when told, “No”

###### Some foods rich in iron

- Beef
- Chicken
- Turkey
- Beans
- Spinach
- Broccoli
- Chickpeas
- Squash seeds
- Peas
- Green beans
- Fish
- Tofu
- Iron-fortified infant cereal
- Other iron-fortified foods

references

[National Institutes of Health on iron](https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Iron-Consumer/) National Institutes of Health

[Cerami C. Iron Nutriture of the Fetus, Neonate, Infant, and Child.](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6143763/pdf/nihms-963694.pdf) Ann Nutr Metab. 2017

[Domellöf M. Iron requirements of infants and toddlers.](https://www.zora.uzh.ch/id/eprint/106040/) J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr. 2014

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