Early childhood development (ECD) is the physical, mental and social development during the early years of life (0-8 years) and consists of various interventions such as nutrition, health, and mental and social development promotion. There are three basic factors affecting ECD: nutrition, environment and stimulation. Health, both affects and is affected by these three factors. In this article; nutrition and ECD is investigated. The nutritional value and the effect of the baby-mother bonding during breast-feeding on development, the deletirious effect of iron, zinc, and iodine deficiency on development as well as the effect of protein energy malnutrition, vitamin deficiencies, choline and antioxidants were discussed. Prevention strategies were also recommended.

Keywords: beslenme, erken çocukluk gelişimi, nutrition, early childhood development