Origins First 1000 Days Foundation believes nourishment and nutrition are key elements of a wellness-based solution to the crisis of chronic disease. Origins First 1000 Days has collected here some of the most recent results in this very active area of research.

Vitamin D Hormone Regulates Serotonin Synthesis. Part 1: Relevance for Autism

Authors: Rhonda P. Patrick and Bruce N. Ames
Nutrition and Metabolism Center, Children’s Hospital Oakland Research Institute, Oakland, California, USA.

Vitamin D indirectly controls the expression of over 900 genes in the body. This paper describes how vitamin D activates three brain hormones known to affect social behavior. Autism, which is characterized by abnormal social behavior, has previously been linked to low levels of serotonin in the brain and to low vitamin D levels but no mechanism has linked the two until now.\

Vitamin D and the omega-3 fatty acids control serotonin synthesis and action, part 2: relevance for ADHD, bipolar, schizophrenia, and impulsive behavior

Authors:  Rhonda P. Patrick and Bruce N. Ames
Nutrition and Metabolism Center, Children’s Hospital Oakland Research Institute, Oakland, California, USA.

An explanation of how omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin D contribute to improved congitive function and behavior in the context of certain brain disorders. This paper is by Rhonda Patrick, PhD and Bruce Ames, PhD of Children’s Hospital Oakland Research Institute (CHORI).

A nutrient-dense, high-fiber, fruit-based supplement bar increases HDL cholesterol, particularly large HDL, lowers homocysteine, and raises glutathione in a 2-wk trial

A description of a trial in which participants saw improved disease risk bio-markers after consuming a high-fiber, fruit-based supplement bar twice daily for two weeks.