Infant Nutrition

Question 1

Which factors determine birth size and weight?

Answer 1

• Maternal size
• Placental function
• Gestation

Question 2

What do babies need their nutritional requirements for?

Answer 2

• Physical activity
• Thermogenesis
• Tissue maintenance
• Growth

Question 3

What are the risks if infant nutrition is not sufficient?

Answer 3

• They can rapidly become malnourished
• Dependent on carer
• High demands for growth and maintenance
• Low stores of fat and protein
• Frequent illness

Question 4

What are the average weight gains in infants (depending on age)?

Answer 4

• 0-3 months: 200g
• 3-6 months: 150g
• 6-9 months: 100g
• 9-12 months: 50-75g

Question 5

Why is breast milk best ?

Answer 5

• Nutritionally: well tolerated, less allergenic, low renal solute load and contains, the calcium, phosphate, iron, and LCP Fas needed
• Improves cognitive development
• Reduces infection: macrophages, lymphocytes, interferon, lactoferrin, lysozyme and bifidus factor

Question 6

What are the benefits and downsides of formula milk?

Answer 6

• No anti-infection properties
• Risk of contamination
• No transition of BBVs/drugs
• High antigen load
• Expensive
• Doesn’t need mum
• Accurate feed volumes
• Provides vitK
• Less jaundice

Question 7

Why should cows milk not be used as a main drink until 1yr of age?

Answer 7

It contains no iron - can make a baby very anaemic

Question 8

Name some types of formula milks available for infants

Answer 8

• Standard (cows milk based)
• Specialised (cows milk allergy, nutrient dense and disease specific)
• Pre-term formula

Question 9

Give some examples of formulas that can be used for a baby with a cows milk allergy

Answer 9

• Nutramigen

- Aptamil pepti

Question 10

What type of feeds can be given to babies with severe colitis, enteropathy or symptoms on breast milk?

Answer 10

• Amino acid based feeds

- E.g. SMA alfamino

Question 11

When are the indications for soya milk use in infants?

Answer 11

• Milk allergy, when hydrolysed formulae refused
• Vegan families, if not breast fed
• Consider for children > 1yr still on milk free diet

Question 12

When should weaning be started and what sort of foods should they be started on?

Answer 12

• Start at 5-6 months
• Start with smooth purees, cereal, fruit, veg and meat
• Lumps/finger foods from 6-7 months
• Cups from 7 months

Question 13

According to the scientific advisory committee, which groups of people should be on vitamin D supplements ?

Answer 13

• All pregnant and breast feeding women
• Infants aged 1-6 months who are exclusively breast fed and the mother has low vitamin D
• All infants and children aged 6 months to 5yrs
• Those who are not exposed to much sun
• All those aged 65 and over