ABSTRACT
Background: Evidence linking prenatal nutrition to early brain development has largely emphasized single nutrients, overlooking the synergistic nature of whole diets. Objective: To map maternal dietary patterns and diet quality proxies during pregnancy, including a-priori indices, data-driven patterns, and pattern plus nutrient interventions, and their associations with neonatal to early-childhood neurodevelopment, while considering timing and outcome domains. Methods: A scoping review guided by the Population-Concept-Context framework and the Preferred Reporting Items for Scoping Reviews searched three databases for peer-reviewed English studies (2018-2025). Two reviewers screened records, charted data with a piloted template, and constructed an evidence map across pattern family, timing (preconception; first, second, third trimester; cumulative), outcome class (neurophysiology, neuroimaging, clinical neurobehavioral, cognition and language, sleep), and age band. Results: Ten studies met criteria, mostly prospective cohorts with two analyses from a randomized controlled trial. Healthier patterns (Mediterranean, Healthy Eating Index, prudent) were associated with higher infant Ages and Stages Questionnaire and Bayley scores and with more mature neonatal white matter on magnetic resonance imaging and diffusion tensor imaging; Mediterranean counseling improved twenty-four-month Bayley scores. Western or highly processed profiles and greater ultra-processed intake related to poorer child neuropsychological performance. Signals were strongest when exposure was captured early and sustained. Evidence for electroencephalography and sleep was limited, and studies were concentrated in high-income settings. Conclusion: The findings of this study indicate a correlation between a pattern-level prenatal diet and early neurodevelopment, thereby supporting the plant-forward, minimally processed approach as a guiding principle within antenatal care. Future research should harmonise

ABSTRACT
Background: Poor nutritional status is a global prevailing crisis due to associated short term and long-term negative impact on individual health, social-economic development and reduced per capita productivity potential. In Kenya, childhood under-nutrition is concentrated in the Arid and semi-Arid Lands (ASALs), where it is associated with food insecurity, environmental conditions and poor child care practices. Objective: The objective of this randomized efficacy trial was to determine the effects of honey bee brood and pearl millet based supplement (PeMH+), on weight, height, MUAC, hemoglobin and wasting, as compared to Corn Soy Blend (CSB+). Methods: A total of 38 children (12-36 months) were randomized to two arms of study (with 19 children in each group) for 12 weeks, in Meru County, Kenya. Group A was fed on PeMH+ (Novel Supplement), and Group B was fed on Corn Soy Blend (CSB+) which is the conventional treatment for moderate wasting. Changes in Weight, Height, and Mid-Upper Arm Circumference (MUAC), weight for height Z-score (WHZ), Height for Age (WFH) Z-score were monitored two weekly while Hemoglobin was monitored at baseline and at the end of study so as to determine their changes and recovery rates for wasting, stunting. Pearson Chi-Square tests were employed to evaluate statistical significance of the effects of PeMH+ on weight, Height, MUAC, Weight Height Z-Score (WHZ), Height for Age Z-Score (HFA), and hemoglobin as compared to the Control (CSB+ group). Results: Cumulatively, there was an average weight, Height, and MUAC and hemoglobin change of 0.8kg, 2.1 cm, 1.1 cm and 1.9g/dl respectively for PeMH+ group A). This marked a whooping majority recovery rate (>-1 Z-score) of 94.6% from moderate wasting. No statistical difference was identified between pattern of recovery and change in weight, MUAC, WHZ between the two groups except for HFA Z-score where children were shown to gain height faster in the group A.

ABSTRACT
In Côte d'Ivoire, Tambruya, a traditional practice of supporting nursing mothers among the Ebrié ethnic groups, illustrates the persistence of local knowledge that differs from biomedical recommendations. In Yopougon, a cosmopolitan district of Abidjan, there are multiple representations of postnatal nutrition, where ancestral traditions and modern medicine intersect. The objective of this research is to understand the mechanisms by which ethnicity structures nursing mothers’ conceptions of ‘’eating well’’ and dietary practices. The qualitative research was conducted in four villages with 40 nursing mothers (20 Ebrié and 20 non-Ebrié) with children under six months of age. This research uses two data collection techniques, namely 20 semi-structured interviews and four focus groups conducted in November 2010. The data were subjected to a comparative thematic content analysis focusing on conceptions of “eating well” and dietary practices. The results of the research reveal that Ebrié wet nurses prioritize satiety, body accumulation, and therapeutic benefits, with a specialized diet (attiéké, foutou), intensified feeding rhythms (every 30-45 minutes), and the use of traditional appetite stimulants. On the other hand, wet nurses from other ethnic groups emphasize balance, diversification, and moderation, gradually incorporating biomedical recommendations. On the other hand, nursing mothers from other ethnic groups value balance, diversification, and moderation, gradually integrating biomedical recommendations. The results highlight that convergences nevertheless emerge around seasonal adaptations and temporary prescriptions, revealing a shared habitus that transcends the different ethnic groups. This research calls for the development of ways of dialogue between biomedical knowledge and traditional knowledge, with a view to co-constructing health interventions.