Nutrition in Childhood + Lactose Intolerance, Overfeeding and Cow's milk allergy Flashcards
After how old should pureed or liquidised food be given?
Pureed or liquidised food can be introduced at 6 months
When can finger foods be introduced?
Finger food and juice in a cup can be introduced from 7-9 months
After how old can adult-typed food that are chopped up be introduced?
After 1 year old
What is weaning? When can weaning start?
Weaning is the process of introducing adult food/solid food into a baby’s diet. Weaning can start when the baby is 6 months old.
What is an essential vitamin recommended to be given to babies from birth until 1 year old?
Vitamin D.
What foods should be avoided for babies?
Salt, as it can harm their kidneys.
Sugar, as it can cause tooth decay.
Honey, as it contains bacteria that can produce toxins in a baby’s intestines which can lead to infant botulism (the toxins attack the nervous system and cause paralysis).
Nuts, especially whole nuts are avoided in children <5years as they can choke on them.
“low fat” food - it is best to give babies or children under 2 full fat varieties.
Avoid cow’s milk until >1year of age
What is the cause of Lactose Intolerance?
Due to deficiency of lactase enzyme.
What is the cause of Primary Lactase Deficiency and Secondary Lactase Deficiency?
Primary Lactase Deficiency is an autosomal recessive condition where there is decreased amount of lactase. It develops at any age.
Secondary Lactase Deficiency often results after damage to the intestinal mucosa, either from acute gastroenteritis, uncontrolled coeliac disease or inflammatory Bowel disease.
- Lactase is secreted by cells at the tip of villi in small intestines.
What is the presentation of lactose intolerance?
Bloating, flatulence and abdominal discomfort from the gas produced by intestinal bacteria as they digest lactose.
The acidic and osmotic effects of lactose causes loose watery stools, with a degree of urgency an hour or 2 after ingestion of milk.
