Nutrition during growth + development

Question 1

Why do infant nutritional requirements differ from older children + adults?

Answer 1

metabolic demand is high
immaturity of organ systems eg. GI + kidney

Question 2

What is recommended for infant feeding?

Answer 2

6 months of exclusive breastfeeding is desirable (any length and amount is beneficial)

Question 3

What do breast fed infants suffer less of?

Answer 3

GI infections
resp infections
sudden infant death syndrome
T2DM + obesity

Question 4

What is in breast milk that contributes to passive immunity?

Answer 4

secretory antibodies (IgA) to maternal GI bacteria
macrophages, neutrophils and lymphocytes (sensitised to maternal exposures)
hormonal and growth promoting factors
factors that control infant’s colonic flora

Question 5

Common deficiencies in breast milk

Answer 5

Vitamin K
Vitamin D
Vitamin B1 + B12

Question 6

Supplementation recommendations for infants

Answer 6

Vitamin K - 1mg at birth, 0-3 months = 0.25mg/day if breast fed

Vitamin D = all infants + children (breast and bottle fed)
0-12 months = 8.5-10mcg/day
>12 months = 10 mcg/day

Question 7

Consequences of undernutrition

Answer 7

retarded growth + development
impairment of cognitive development
reduced physical activity + function
metabolic + endocrine dysfunction
impaired resistance to infections
impaired reproductive capacity
increased morbidity
increased risk of premature death

Question 8

Define failure to thrive

Answer 8

prolonged cessation of appropriate weight or weight for height gain

Question 9

Risk factors for undernutrition

Answer 9

food insecurity
breastfeeding difficulties
errors in formula preparation
poor food quality and hygiene
inappropriate diet
physical problems (cleft palate etc)
medical conditions affecting nutrient availability + metabolism

Question 10

Main causes of micronutrient deficiency

Answer 10

undernutrition
anorexia
poor food quality + hygiene
inappropriate diet

Question 11

Most common micronutrient deficiencies of childhood in UK

Answer 11

calcium
vitamin D
iron
vitamin C
vitamin A

Question 12

Define rickets

Answer 12

failure or delay in endochondral calcification at the growth plates of long bones, characteristic deformities

Question 13

Define osteomalacia

Answer 13

defective mineralisation of preformed osteoid

Question 14

Advice for overweight children

Answer 14

should not be encouraged to lose weight
should be encouraged to maintain weight so they grow into it as they get taller
increase physical activity
encouraged to eat a healthier diet