Disclosed are methods for promoting neuronal health and/or development in a subject by providing nutritional compositions comprising docosahexaenoic acid and alpha-lipoic acid. The nutritional composition may further include lactoferrin, a prebiotic, a probiotic, and mixtures thereof. Additionally disclosed are methods for accelerating the development of neuronal activity and/or strengthening electrochemical synapse signaling by providing the nutritional composition(s) disclosed herein to a target subject.