Infant nutrition Flashcards
Is infant weight loss worrying in the first 10 days?
No- weight loss immediately after birth is normal and should be regained by 7-10 days of life. Only worrying if >8-10%.
What is the EAR for first 6 months of life?
478-550 cal/day.
Why should women breastfeed within first hour of birth?
Ensures that infant receives the colostrum. Often described as infants first immunisation- rich in antibodies and nutrients including protein and vitamins A, E, K
What does milk composition depend on?
Lenth of feeding, time of day, lactation period, date of delivery (full term/preterm), mothers age and nutrition
What is the evidence base for exclusive breastfeeding in first 6 months?
Prevents necrotosing enterocolitis in preterm infants, prevents SIDS, protects against infections, has no adverse effects on growth
How long is breastfeeding needed to protect against SIDS according to the evidence?
Minimum of 2 months appears to be to be necessary. Increases as duration increases
What are the benefits for the mother of breastfeeding?
-Studies show that breastfeeding reduces the maternal risk for developing breast and ovarian cancer
-Breastfeeding burns an additional 300-500 Kcal/day during the first 6 months after delivery
-Breastfeeding is associated with no costs → reduces the financial burden in low-income families
-no dependency on infant formula in situations of shortage
-reduced risk for disorders of the immune system eg coeliac disease, allergy, IBD
What is the early protein hypothesis?
high protein intakes in early childhood in excess of metabolic requirements may increase blood and tissue concentrations of amino acids capable of stimulating the release of insulin and insulin-like growth factor: may trigger high weight gain and induce adipogenesis.
-Problem with formulas that contain higher amounts of protein
What are the reasons for UK low rates of breastfeeding according to a 2010 survey?
Thought not making enough milk, thought baby not latching on properly, too painful, baby constantly hungry
What are the WHO recommendations for complementary feeding?
-Continue frequent, on demand feeding breasfeeding until 2 years of age
-practise responsive feeding
-Start at 6 months with small amounts of food and increase gradually as the child gets older
-gradually increase consistency and variety
-introduce allergens
-increase number of feeding times per day
-during illness, increase fluid intake including more breastfeeding
What foods should you avoid when complementary feeding?
Salt, sugar, honey, nuts, cows milk
What is the role of iron in complementary feeding?
Red blood cells, growth and development, immune function
What are the roles of iodine in complementary feeding?
Thyroid hormones: regulating metabolism, growth and neurodevelopment.
When are iodine requirements the highest?
During infancy
What does zinc do in infants and why is it important in complementary feeding? What are the sources?
-development of brain, development of immune system and growth
-Sources: meat, fish, legumes, whole grains and dairy
