![]() ![]() It has been assumed that the majority of energetic substrates are used to support neuronal activity and signal transmission. Here, we first describe the main cellular and physiological processes that drive brain development along time and how different brain metabolic pathways are engaged to support them. Recently, it has been proposed that this energetic challenge is solved by the ability of the brain to use ketone bodies (KBs), produced from fatty acid oxidation, as a complement source of energy. While the main source of energy for the adult brain is glucose, it appears that it is not sufficient to sustain the dramatic metabolic demands of the brain during its development. It has been estimated that during childhood the brain may account for up to 60% of the body basal energetic requirements. Such dramatic changes in brain structure and function are associated with very large energetic demands exceeding by far those of other organs of the body. During pregnancy and infancy, the human brain is growing extremely fast the brain volume increases significantly, reaching 36, 72, and 83% of the volume of adults at 2–4 weeks, 1 year, and 2 years of age, respectively, which is essential to establish the neuronal networks and capacity for the development of cognitive, motor, social, and emotional skills that will be continually refined throughout childhood and adulthood.
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