Incorporating Early Life Micronutrient Status in ECHO studies of Neurodevelopment

Key Takeaways:

It is known that early life nutrition, including pregnancy diet and infant feeding, is critical for brain development, yet the impact of the suboptimal micronutrient status of the US population is unknown. In this presentation, Dr. Kerver discusses micronutrient status, highlighting biomarkers rather than dietary intake, and its impact on neurodevelopment. She reviews often overlooked interactions between nutrients and environmental toxicants. Dr. Kerver suggests areas where ECHO can better leverage existing knowledge about nutrition’s impact on neurodevelopment. She advocates for greater integration of these interactions in ECHO analyses.

Jean Kerver, PhD, MSc, RD 

Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics
College of Human Medicine, Traverse City Campus
Michigan State University
Contact Principal Investigator of ECHO Award 129

Speaker Biography:

Jean Kerver, PhD, MSC, RD, is the contact Principal Investigator of ECHO Award 129 at Michigan State University. An epidemiologist and registered dietitian, Dr. Kerver investigates perinatal causes of childhood disorders and develops strategies to promote healthy lifestyle behaviors among families experiencing poverty or other challenges. Based in Traverse City, Dr. Kerver supports MSU’s College of Human Medicine rural research network initiative. Her primary research focuses on micronutrients and neurodevelopment, with an emphasis on biomarkers and exposures.

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