12. Nutrition from Infancy Through Adolescence

Question 1

Describe the effects undernutrition on growth.

Answer 1

Poor eating pattern during stages of infancy or childhood hampers cell division.

Adequate dietary pattern later does not compensate for lost growth.

Question 2

What does normal growth look like?

Answer 2

Infancy: most rapid growth rate

• weight: doubles by 4-6 months. Triples by 1 year.
• length: increases 50% by end of first year.

After first year:

• it takes 5 more years to double weight seen at 1 year.
• height is typically maximized by age 19

Question 3

List the recommendations for carbohydrates, protein, fat, and water.

Answer 3

Carbs:

• age 0-6: 60g/day
• age 7-12: 95g/day
• first 6 months of life: breast milk or formula

Protein:
- 9-11 g/day (based on age)

Fat:

• 30g/day
• 15% should be essential fatty acids

Water:
- about 3 cups/day

Question 4

What vitamin is routinely given at birth?

Answer 4

Vitamin K

Question 5

What vitamin should infants consume 10 micrograms a day?

Answer 5

Vitamin D

Question 6

What vitamin should infants receive when breastfed from a mother who follows a vegan diet?

Answer 6

Vitamin B-12

Question 7

What minerals are supplied by breast milk or formula?

Answer 7

Zinc and iodide

Question 8

What mineral is not recommended before 6 months?

Answer 8

Fluoride

Question 9

What are some signs of dehydration in adolescents?

Answer 9

• more than 6 hours without a wet diaper
• dark-yellow or strong-smelling urine
• dry mouth and lips
• eyes and soft spot on the head appear sunken

Question 10

Why is cow’s milk not tolerated by infants?

Answer 10

Protein and minerals are too high.