Nutrition In Pre-School Children

Question 1

What developmental milestones occur for children from 12 months old?

Answer 1

More confident on feet, develops balance, enjoys interacting, tries to do things independently, may have a few words, fine and gross motor skills develop.

Question 2

How much weight and height do toddlers typically gain from 12-24 months?

Answer 2

Gain around 5lb (2.27kg) and grow about 4-5 inches (10-12 cm).

Question 3

At what age are children typically half their adult height?

Answer 3

By 2 years.

Question 4

What is a significant concern for young children regarding growth?

Answer 4

Vulnerability to growth faltering.

Question 5

What are common physical activities for pre-school children?

Answer 5

Walking, climbing independently.

Question 6

What is neophobia in the context of children’s eating habits?

Answer 6

A natural tendency in children to reject new or unfamiliar foods.

Question 7

At what age can mealtimes become stressful due to food refusal?

Answer 7

Around 18 months.

Question 8

How many exposures to a new food might a child require to accept it?

Answer 8

5-10 exposures.

Question 9

What factors influence the development of food preferences in pre-school children?

Answer 9

Parental influence, feeding practices, food availability, role modeling.

Question 10

What is the recommended number of drinks per day for children over 12 months?

Answer 10

6-8 drinks per day.

Question 11

What are the energy requirements for a 4-6 year old male and female according to Public Health England?

Answer 11

1482 kcal/day for males
1378 kcal/day for females

Question 12

What is the recommended daily protein intake for 1-3 year old children?

Answer 12

14.5 g/day.

Question 13

What is the recommended maximum daily intake of free sugars for pre-school children?

Answer 13

5% of total energy intake.

Question 14

True or False: Higher intake of free sugars is associated with increased dental caries.

Answer 14

True.

Question 15

What is the average intake of fibre for children aged 18-47 months?

Answer 15

15 g/day.

Question 16

What micronutrient intakes are often above the RNI for children?

Answer 16

Iron, zinc, and Vitamin A.

However:

8-11% of 18-47 month olds had intakes below LRNI

20% aged 4-5 months had intakes of zinc below LRNI. SACN, 2022

Question 17

What vitamin supplementation is recommended for children at increased risk of deficiency?

Answer 17

Vitamin drops (Healthy Start) containing vitamin A, vitamin D, and vitamin C.

Question 18

What is the recommended minimum daily serving of fruits and vegetables for pre-school children?

Answer 18

3 servings of fruit
2 servings of vegetables

Question 19

What is a significant public health concern related to childhood nutrition?

Answer 19

Childhood obesity.

Question 20

What is the relationship between a high energy density diet and weight gain?

Answer 20

High energy density diet, over time, can lead to weight gain.

Question 21

What public health concern is highlighted by the National Child Measurement Programme?

Answer 21

Childhood obesity is a public concern.

Question 22

Who is most affected by overweight and obesity in childhood?

Answer 22

Most deprived populations.

Question 23

What percentage of children aged 5 years in Northern Ireland had tooth decay in 2013?

Answer 23

40%.

Question 24

What percentage of children aged 5 years in England had tooth decay in 2019?

Answer 24

23%.

Question 25

What is associated with increased dental caries in children aged 1 to 5 years?

Answer 25

Higher intake of free sugars.

Question 26

Which carbohydrates are less important than low weight carbohydrates in affecting dental health?

Answer 26

More complex carbohydrates e.g. starches.

Question 27

Which type of sugars are more readily fermented to acids?

Answer 27

Monosaccharide and disaccharide molecules (glucose and sucrose).

Question 28

What is the most significant organic acid produced by plaque bacteria on sugars?

Answer 28

Lactic Acid.

Question 29

What pH level indicates demineralisation of calcium hydroxyapatite?

Answer 29

Below pH 5.5.

Question 30

At what pH does fluoridated enamel begin to demineralise?

Answer 30

pH 4.5.

Question 31

What are the main problems affecting dental health?

Answer 31

Sugared food and drink, acidic drinks, oral hygiene.

Question 32

What is recommended to avoid for dental health?

Answer 32

Sugared and acidic drinks.

Question 33

What is advised for children’s oral hygiene?

Answer 33

Supervised brushing 2 times a day with fluoride toothpaste (1000ppm).

Question 34

Fill in the blank: Free sugars should not exceed _____ of total dietary energy intake for children aged 2 and up.

Answer 34

5%.

Question 35

What is a good feeding practice for pre-school children?

Answer 35

Regular meal and snack times.

Question 36

What should be minimized to support good dental health?

Answer 36

Energy dense sugars, sweets, chocolate, and open access.

Question 37

What is vital to support healthy growth patterns in children?

Answer 37

Adequate and appropriate nutrition.

Question 38

What is recommended to supplement in children’s diets, particularly in winter?

Answer 38

Vitamin A, D, and C.

Question 39

True or False: Eating together and minimizing distractions is a recommended practice for children’s feeding.

Answer 39

True.

Question 40

What is food neophobia?

Answer 40

The tendency to avoid trying new and unfamiliar foods.