Nutrition

Question 1

• What are the nutritional vulnerabilities in children?

Answer 1

Reasons for increased nutrition req
a 3-fold increase in weight;
a 50% increase in length
and continued growth from 1 yr of age through adolescence impose unique nutritional needs

nutrition is vital due to
high maintenance needs because of higher metabolic and nutrient turnover rates of infants and children compared with adults.
Rapid rates of growth are accompanied by marked developmental changes in organ function
failure to provide sufficient nutrients during this time is likely to have adverse effects on development and growth.

Special nutrient needs, particularly during early life, are complicated by the young infant's 
lack of teeth, 
immature digestive
metabolic processes
dependence on caregivers

Question 2

Importance of adequate paediatric nutrition

Answer 2

Carbohydrate: Sufficient carbs to prevent ketosis and/or hypoglycaemia
5 g/kg/24hrs

Fat

Protein: Higher requirements of essential AA compared to adults

The need for cysteine is believed to be secondary to delayed development of hepatic cystathionase activity; this key enzyme in the conversion of methionine to cysteine does not reach adult levels until approximately 4 mo of age.

Iron: newborn infant believed to have sufficient stores of B to meet the requirements for 4-6 mnnths
However IRON stoes and absorption is variable to thus iron deficicnecy is rare

electrolytes and minerals

Water

• Higher insensible water loss
• High renal, loss d/2 physio glucosuria
• More susceptible to development of dehydration particularly w/ vomiting and/or diarrhea
• Additional water (to BF or formula) not usually required in 1st several weeks

Question 3

What are the advantages of breast feeding? (for mother and infant) • Complications of breastfeeding
• Advantages and disadvantages of formula feeding
• When and how does weaning occur?
• Feeding schedule for an infant
• Formula for formula feed

Answer 3

Advantages

Disadvantages