Ch 16 - Nutrition during Childhood Flashcards
A 1-year-old needs about ____ kcals/day; a 6-year-old needs about ____ kcals/day; a 10-year-old needs about ____ kcals/day.
800; 1600; 2000
What are the carb and fibre recommendations for children?
Carb recommendations are based on the brain’s glucose needs; typically within the adult range. Fibre intake varies with caloric intake
What are the fat recommendations for children?
Ages 1-3 = 30 to 40% of energy
Ages 4-18 = 25 to 35% of energy
What are the protein recommendations for children?
Like energy needs, total protein needs increase slightly with age, but when the child’s body weight is considered, the protein requirement actually declines slightly
How do children obtain adequate vitamins and minerals?
Vitamin and mineral needs of children increase with age. A balanced diet of nutritious foods can meet these needs with the exception of iron, and possibly vitamin D
How could a child receive adequate intakes of iron and vitamin D?
Consume iron-fortified foods and a reasonable milk intake so that it will not displace iron. Children typically obtain most of their vitamin D from fortified milk and dry cereals
Do children need supplements?
Well-nourished children do not need vitamin and mineral supplements with the exception of specific recommendations for fluoride, iron, and vitamin D
What are the recommended number of servings per day for each food group?
Fruits & Vegetables = 4 servings;
Grain Products = 3 servings;
Milks & Alternatives = 2 servings; and
Meat & Alternatives = 1 serving
Hunger and malnutrition are not uncommon, especially among ______________
children in very low-income families
Children who miss meals:
- perform poorly in tasks requiring concentration
- have shorter attention spans
- achieve lower test scores
How does iron deficiency affect children?
Iron deficiency has effects on children’s behaviour and intellectual performance. It not only causes an energy crisis, but it also directly impairs attention span and learning ability
In addition to carrying oxygen in the blood, iron:
transports oxygen within cells, which use it during energy metabolism
How is iron deficiency diagnosed?
By a quick, easy, inexpensive hemoglobin or hematocrit test that detects a deficit of iron in the blood
A child’s ______ is sensitive to low iron concentrations long before blood effects appear
brain
What are some symptoms of iron deficiency?
- lowered motivation
- impaired intellectual performance
- disruptive behaviour
How do iron supplements help children low in iron?
Iron supplementation improves learning and memory
Malnourished children are vulnerable to lead poisoning. They absorb more lead if:
- their stomachs are empty;
- they have low intakes of calcium, zinc, vitamin C, or vitamin D; and
- they have an iron deficiency
What are some commonalities between iron deficiency and lead poisoning?
Common to both are low socioeconomic background and a lack of immunizations against infectious diseases. Another common factor is pica (craving for non-food items)
Like iron deficiency, mild lead toxicity has nonspecific symptoms, including:
- diarrhea
- irritability
- fatigue
With further exposure to lead, symptoms become more pronounced, and children develop:
learning disabilities and behavioural problems
