How Nutrition Helps Your Baby’s Brain Grow

Key Insights:

• DHA, choline, iron, and protein support brain structure, memory, and attention.
• Nutrients like MFGM, B12, and zinc help with communication between brain cells, language development, and problem-solving.
• Enfamil NeuroPro^® is backed by clinical research and designed to provide excellent nutrition to infants up to 12 months of age.

How Nutrition Supports Baby’s Brain Development

From the size and structure of the brain to how quickly it communicates, nutrition plays a role at every stage of cognitive development.

Physical Brain Growth

Key Nutrients: DHA, Choline, Iron, Protein

These nutrients help your baby’s brain grow in size and structure, supporting the formation of cells, tissues, and connections that shape memory, movement, and emotion.

• DHA supports the growth of gray matter and helps shape areas of the brain responsible for memory and attention. It also helps support eye development in babies.²
• Choline contributes to the development of cell membranes and is essential for memory and learning.
• Iron helps transport oxygen to brain cells, fueling their rapid growth and activity.
• Protein provides the fundamental building blocks for brain tissue and neurotransmitters.

Nutrition to Support Brain Function

Key Nutrients: MFGM, Vitamin B12, Zinc

As your baby’s brain begins to process information and make sense of the world, these nutrients support communication between brain cells.

• MFGM (Milk Fat Globule Membrane) plays a key role in forming the myelin sheath, which protects nerve fibers in the brain. Think of how electrical wires are sheathed by an outer covering, the myelin sheath has a similar purpose for nerve fibers, and we want them to be healthy to support efficient brain signaling.
• Vitamin B12 helps develop healthy nerve cells that are protected by the myelin sheath–these are essentially the “wires” that transmit messages throughout the brain.
• Zinc contributes to memory formation, attention span, and overall brain function. Specifically, it supports the electrical and chemical signaling between neurons.

Nutrition that Helps the Brain

Key Nutrients: Antioxidants (like Vitamins C & E), MFGM, and Iron

Your baby’s developing brain is sensitive to stress and toxins—these nutrients help keep development on track.

• Antioxidants like Vitamins C & E reduce oxidative stress (essentially wear and tear).
• MFGM has bioactive proteins and lipids (think of them as signals that bacteria notice),which help block harmful bacteria and viruses.²
• Iron supports energy metabolism. In other words, it helps your baby’s brain and body use energy efficiently—fueling growth, focus, and learning.

From Brain Food to Kindergarten Confidence

The first years are full of rapid development—and the right nutrition can help support your baby’s journey every step of the way.

Enfamil^® formulas that have MFGM and DHA are backed by research and designed to help support brain development in areas like language and attention.^*

Because those early milestones? They matter. And so does what you choose to nourish them with.

^*As demonstrated in select clinical studies comparing formula with MFGM and lactoferrin to one without in cognitive development measures. Always consult your pediatrician about what’s right for your baby.

Give Their Brain a Strong Start

You’re already supporting your baby’s cognitive growth with nurturing and love—nutrition plays a key role, too. Enfamil NeuroPro is a leading formula with nutrition for a 5-year brain benefit, shown to improve cognitive outcomes through age 5.

In a clinical study, babies fed infant formula that has MFGM in their first year showed improved problem-solving skills at 5 years old.³

Because the first year is just the beginning!

You're the Hero, We're Your Science Sidekick!

Every giggle, every snuggle, every bottle—you're doing incredible things for your child every day. And when you pair that love with science-backed nutrition, you’re giving them an excellent foundation for life.

Join Enfamil Family Beginnings^® to get more tools, insights, and benefits designed to help you support your baby’s growth with confidence.

As a member, you’ll get:

• Exclusive content on brain development, milestones, and nutrition—delivered in real parent language
• Access to the Enfamil app, where you can track growth, log feedings, and discover helpful tips
• Special savings and personalized offers on Enfamil products
• Early access to sweepstakes, giveaways, and limited-time promotions
• Answers to common parenting questions through tools like Ask-a-Nurse

You’re already doing so much to help your baby thrive. Now, take the next step with nutrition that supports every new discovery.