lecture 5: infant nutrition Flashcards
Why do infants have the highest energy needs per kilogram of body weight?
Infants need the highest energy per kilogram of body weight because they are in a rapid phase of growth and development, requiring more energy to support these processes.
How do infants regulate their energy intake when demand feeding?
Infants can regulate their own energy intake when demand feeding by responding to their natural hunger and satiety cues.
What is the impact of caregiver-led feeding on infant satiety cues?
Caregiver-led feeding may override an infant’s natural satiety cues, potentially leading to overfeeding or underfeeding.
Why do infants require the highest protein intake per kilogram of body weight, especially between 7-12 months?
Infants require high protein intake to support the rapid growth of lean tissue, particularly during the 7-12 month age range when growth is accelerated.
What is the role of protein in infant growth?
Protein is essential for the development and growth of lean tissue, including muscles, organs, and other structural components of the body.
Why is fat essential for infant development?
Fat is crucial for brain development, as well as for the growth and functioning of other organs.
Why is fat restriction not recommended in infants?
Fat restriction is not recommended because fat is necessary for proper brain development and overall growth in infants.
What is the risk of vitamin A deficiency in infants in Australia?
The risk of vitamin A deficiency in infants in Australia is limited.
What determines an infant’s vitamin D status?
An infant’s vitamin D status depends on the mother’s vitamin D levels during pregnancy.
What is the recommended source of vitamin D for infants?
Regular, small doses of sun exposure are recommended as a source of vitamin D for infants.
How do infants acquire iron before birth?
Infants acquire iron stores during the third trimester of pregnancy.
How long do an infant’s iron stores and breastmilk iron last after birth?
An infant’s iron stores and the highly bioavailable iron in breastmilk last for the first six months after birth.
what is considered the optimal source of nutrition for infants?
Breastmilk is considered the optimal source of nutrition for infants.
What role does breastmilk play in an infant’s immune system?
Breastmilk has an immuno-protective role, helping to protect infants from infections and diseases.
How long is exclusive breastfeeding recommended for infants?
Exclusive breastfeeding is recommended for the first six months of an infant’s life.
How long should breastfeeding be continued, according to recommendations?
Breastfeeding should be continued until 12 months and beyond, alongside appropriate complementary foods.
Do infants require additional fluids when exclusively breastfeeding?
No, infants do not require any additional fluids when exclusively breastfeeding.
What is the only recommended alternative to breastmilk if needed?
Commercial infant formula is the only recommended alternative to breastmilk.
Who regulates the composition of commercial infant formula?
The composition of commercial infant formula is regulated by Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ).
What nutrients are reduced or added in commercial infant formula compared to cow’s milk?
Commercial infant formula has reduced protein and electrolyte levels, with added iron and vitamins, including vitamins A, B group, C, D, E, and K.
What important components are absent in commercial infant formula compared to breastmilk?
Commercial infant formula lacks living cells, cholesterol, polyamines, free amino acids, enzymes, and a wide range of other bioactive substances found in breastmilk.
What type of formulas are recommended for infants?
Cow’s milk-based formulas are recommended for infants.
When are special formulas used, and what are some examples?
Special formulas are used under medical supervision for specific purposes, such as soy-based formulas, goat’s milk formulas, or modified lactose formulas, often due to medical, cultural, or religious reasons.
What are the two types of formula based on age, and what are their suitability guidelines?
The two types of formula are:
Infant formula: suitable from birth.
Follow-on formula: suitable only for infants over six months.
Why is hand hygiene important in infant nutrition?
To prevent contamination and ensure the safety of formula preparation.
What type of water is recommended for preparing infant formula?
Boiled and cooled tap water or still bottled water.
What should you ensure when measuring formula powder?
Use the correct scoop and avoid over- or under-filling it.
How long can prepared formula be safely left at room temperature?
Prepared formula should be discarded if it has been at room temperature for more than 1 hour.
What is the importance of sterilizing feeding equipment?
To eliminate harmful bacteria that can cause infections in infants.
What should be done with leftover prepared formula after a feeding?
It should be discarded to prevent bacterial growth.
What is one key takeaway from the formula shortage crisis?
The need to diversify infant feeding options and support breastfeeding.
What actions are recommended to address low breastfeeding rates?
Improve maternity protection, legislate breastfeeding-friendly workplaces, and tighten regulations on commercial milk formula marketing.
Why is it important to address the upstream determinants of breastfeeding rates?
To promote healthier feeding practices and reduce dependence on commercial milk formula.
When should you introduce solid foods to infants?
Around 6 months, offering a range of foods of an appropriate texture and consistency.
At around six months, which nutrient stores begin to decline in infants?
Iron stores begin to decline.
How does feeding behavior change as infants reach six months?
Infants progress from sucking to biting.
What reflex disappears around six months, indicating readiness for solid foods?
The tongue-extrusion reflex.
What physical development is typically observed in infants at six months?
Infants can sit independently.
How does the digestive system change by six months?
The digestive system is maturing, allowing for the introduction of solid foods.
What indicates an infant’s readiness to explore new foods and textures at six months?
Increased interest in their environment.
Why is starting to introduce solid foods before six months considered less optimal?
It takes longer to establish a new eating pattern compared to starting at six months.
How long does the full process of weaning typically take?
The full process of weaning typically takes about six months and should be gradual.
Repercussions of introducing solids too soon?
- Reduced breastmilk consumption, leading to reduced breastmilk production
- Tongue-extrusion reflex may result in the infant rejecting objects such as spoons
- Exclusive breastfeeding to six months reduces risk of allergies
- Pathogens in food may increase risk of diarrhoea
- Poor mastication → increased risk of choking
- Immaturity of kidneys and gastrointestinal tract
→ solids food increases volume of nitrates and solutes in food and can overwhelm kidneys→
dehydration
→ Pancreatic and intestinal secretions not fully produced- food can be undigested
→ Immature gut is more permeable (may let larger proteins into circulation and contribute to
allergic sensitization)
Repercussions of introducing solids too late?
- Growth faltering
- Micronutrient deficiency, especially iron and zinc
- Compromised immune protection
- Delayed development of motor skills such as chewing, and taste and texture acceptance
- Increased risk of developing allergic syndromes
- Later weaning in more beneficial in countries were there is increased risk of infection, poor
sanitation, lack of appropriate weaning foods etc.
What should solid foods for infants represent in terms of nutrition?
They should be highly nutritious and represent a variety from the five food groups.
Why should no added salt be included in infant food?
Infants’ kidneys are unable to excrete excess salt.
Why is honey not recommended for infants?
Honey can cause botulism, which is dangerous for young children.
What is the recommended progression of food texture for infants?
From puree to mashed, to minced, to chopped.
Why is texture important when introducing solid foods to infants?
It is crucial for oral motor development.
When can infants typically start eating family foods?
By twelve months.
What types of food should be avoided to reduce choking risks?
Small, hard pieces of food (e.g., raw apple and carrot, nuts) and small, round foods (e.g., cherry tomatoes, grapes) until three years old.
What is the core concept of baby-led weaning?
Infants are allowed to self-feed family foods in their whole form instead of purees.
What are some reported benefits of baby-led weaning for future development?
Improved dietary variety and potentially better self-regulation in eating.
What concerns do healthcare practitioners have regarding baby-led weaning?
Concerns include choking, growth faltering, and insufficient iron intake.
How many meals per day should a baby start with when introducing solid foods?
One meal per day, slowly building to three meals.
What are some signs that a baby has had enough food?
Looking sleepy, turning their head, and closing their mouth.
Which common allergy-causing foods should be introduced by 12 months?
Well-cooked egg, smooth peanut butter/paste, cow’s milk, tree nuts, soy, sesame, wheat, fish, and other seafood.
What happens when sugar from drinks or foods remains in contact with teeth for a prolonged period?
Bacteria convert sugar to acids, which erode tooth enamel.
