Nutrition for children Flashcards
Describe the parameter of normal growth and explain the use of CDC charts in tracking growth
- Growth is not linear
- but irregular growth patterns can indicate nutritional problems
- rapid GROWTH OCCURS DURING THE FIRST YEAR OF LIFE THEN SLOW slow ,steady growth follows until adolescence when the growth rate increases
- Growth chart are useful for plotting, growth patterns and comparing to peer standard
- The 5th percentile and 85th percental are considered within normal range
- Values out of this range prompt investigation (its either over or under nutrition
BMI for children can id kids who are over , under weight or obese
Explain how nutrients need of children differ from those of adults
Needs for specific nutrients on a per-kilogram basis are highest in early life and later decrease to adults levels
*Some organs are sensitive to deficiencies during growth ,thus infants and kids consume food that in rich in nutrients and not in calories
*For infants, human milk or iron
fortified formula provides the majority of energy and nutrient intake. Children gradually
transition to more adult patterns of food
intake.
Identify failure to thrive and overweight in children
- Major nutrition related problems in childhood range from undernutrition to overnutrition
- Common nutrition related problems reflect poor dietary habits can lead to overweight ,anemia, growth retardation or dental crises
- the term failure to thrive describe inadequate growth and may result from insufficient nutrition ,numerous medical conditions
Describe the influence of infant nutrition on brain growth and development
- Brain grows rapidly during the first years of life
- Certain nutrients have a critical role in brain structure
- Choline is a precursor for phospholipid and neurotransmitter biosynthesis
- Taurine has roles in osmoregulation ,neuromodulation
- Folate mediates dna synthesis
- Iron deficiency can delay speech and cognitive development ,slow growth and cause anemia
- A lack of these nutrients can impair optimal development of the brain and CNS
Explain the process of solid foods to an infant
- Introducing solid foods should begin when when the child is ready ,usually 4-6 months
*Signs of readiness
+Disappearance of the extrusion reflex
+ hand to mouth movement
+ability to sit with support
+the appearance of these signs will coincide with maturation of the gastrointestinal system and the kidneys
*Food should be gradually introduced in the following order(During first year of life ) :
+cereals ,fruits and vegetables and then meat and dairy products
At one year ,children should be eating 70% liquids and 30% solids
introduction of food earlier or later then recommended can contribute to development of allergies
*Delaying the introduction of food later than 6 months and increase risk of iron deficiency
Advise parents to introduce food one at a time so that food allergies or intolerance can be avoided
*
Explain the need for adequate intake of protein during childhood
- Body uses protein to build tissues and synthesize many compounds
- Humans can synthesize some amino acids(unessential ) but not some essential amino acids
- Vitamin B6 functions as a co-factor for many enzymes involved in protein metabolism
describe Amino acids metabolism for energy ,genetic defects in amino acid metabolism can cause brain damage if untreated
*Amino acids have a carbon skeleton that can be converted to glucose
*Soma AA are ketogenic and can generate acetyle coa and ketone bodies
*Disruption of aa metabolism ,if nt treated can lead to accumulation of toxic compounds
*Phenylketonuria results from phenylalanine hydroxylase
*
Define protein quality and describe strategies for meeting protein needs with a variety of foods
The ability of food tp sustain development and growth depends on the quality and quantity of of its protein
*The protein digestability corrected aa score (PDCAAS) is a standard method for determining protein quality
Describe the nutritional needs of preschool children and identify the major dietary concerns for this age group.
By the age of 5 ,children should be eating a diet similar to adults
- After 2, a child should gradually decrease fat intake to about 30% of total calories
- Children will normally go through periods they eat a limited number of foods ,these periods are called food jags
- Inadequate intake of iron ,fluids ,overconsumption of sweets may lead to dental caries
How is zinc ,iron ,copper critical for normal growth
*iron participates in o2 transportation ,respiration and defense against radicals
deficiency symptoms include anemia ,growth retardation and impaired immune
Copper : Co-factor in many enzymes ,has a role in energy production and protects against oxidative damage
deficiency is rare but ,but high consumption of zinc and iron decrease copper absorption
Zinc :
is a part of many enzymes and its deficiency can result in severe deficiencies eg growth retardation ,delayed wound healing, immune dysfunction ,cognitive impairment
Describe the function of Vit A precursor and metabolites
*needed for vision ,regulation of gene expression and control of cell proliferation and differentiation
Deficiency of vit A = in impaired vision ,compromised immune system
