Neurodevelopment, Oxidative Stress and Nutrition in Perinatal Period
A special issue of Nutrients (ISSN 2072-6643). This special issue belongs to the section "Pediatric Nutrition".
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 25 July 2026 | Viewed by 2
Special Issue Editors
Interests: oxidative stress; antioxidants; melatonin; vitamin k; neonatal bone health; newborn infant
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Interests: newborn infant; infection; inflammation; oxidative stress; nutrition; neonatal bone health
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
Factors affecting fetal nutrition play a crucial role in determining the risk of developing metabolic diseases later in life. Neonatal health is deeply influenced by maternal health and nutrition, which impact neurodevelopment beginning already in utero. Although the exact mechanisms by which the intrauterine environment affects adult health remain unclear, fetal programming of oxidative stress and endocrine systems is recognized as a key factor shaping long-term development.
Preventing non-communicable chronic diseases requires addressing several challenges. First, there is a pressing need for new diagnostic tools specifically designed for use in fetuses and newborns to detect early risk factors. Second, it is essential to better understand how environmental contaminants—especially endocrine-disrupting chemicals—induce oxidative stress and cause epigenetic modifications in mothers. These changes can subsequently affect the fetus, newborn, and infant, potentially programming susceptibility to chronic diseases throughout life.
In addition to maternal factors, neonatal nutrition plays a vital role in supporting brain development and modulating oxidative stress after birth. Breastfeeding provides essential nutrients and antioxidants that promote optimal neurodevelopment and immune function. Early postnatal nutrition thus represents a critical window to influence long-term health trajectories positively.
A comprehensive approach combining maternal nutrition optimization, reduction in exposure to harmful substances, and promotion of appropriate neonatal nutrition is vital to improve neurodevelopmental outcomes and long-term health starting from the perinatal period
To this end, we welcome original scientific contributions that address these challenges and expand our understanding of neurodevelopmental outcomes, oxidative stress, and nutrition during the perinatal period.
Prof. Dr. Serafina Perrone
Dr. Chiara Petrolini
Guest Editors
Dr. Virginia Beretta
Guest Editor Assistant
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Keywords
- neurodevelopment
- oxidative stress
- neonatal health
- maternal nutrition
- perinatal period
- breastfeeding
- nutrition
- metabolic diseases
- chronic diseases
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