Nutrition Through the Life Cycle - Early Years

Question 1

When should weaning begin?

Answer 1

Around 6 months, no earlier than 4 months.

But depends on a multitude of factors (birth weight, health, growth, development)

Question 2

How is childrens growth assessed?

Answer 2

Anthropometric: head circumference, weight, length/height. Growth charts (percentiles).
>2 years: BMI

Question 3

What are the two types of weaning?

Answer 3

Baby-led weaning <6months onwards

Late weaning >6 months

Question 4

What foods should you not feed a baby-led weaning baby?

Answer 4

Shellfsh, raw fish, egg, cow’s milk, peanuts, nuts, wheat

Question 5

What first-foods should you introduce to a baby?

Answer 5

Vegetables, lean meat, starchy foods, legumes, yoghurt, cheese

Question 6

When should an infant be introduces a a water beaker?

Answer 6

> 6 months

Question 7

How much milk does a newborn-6months require?
7-12 months?
12-24 months?

Answer 7

newborn-6months: 750-850ml/day
7-12 months: 800ml/day
12-24 months: 1.25L

Question 8

What are the energy requirements for infant boys and girls?

Answer 8

Boys:
6 months - 760kcal
9 months - 880kcal
1 year - 960 kcal

Girls:
6 months - 710 kcal
9 months - 820 kcal
1 year - 910 kcal

Question 9

How long are iron stores supplied by the mother sifficient for in an infant? What is adequate iron consumption important for?

Answer 9

6 months approx.

• RBC formation
• Oxygen diffusion in blood

Question 10

What is adequate zinc consumption important for?

Answer 10

• Hormone regulation

- Wound healing

Question 11

What is adequate calcium consumption important for?

Answer 11

• Bone growth and bone mineral density

- Teeth growth

Question 12

What is adequate vitamin D consumption important for?

Answer 12

• preventing rickets

- bone development

Question 13

What is adequate vitamin A consumption important for?

Answer 13

• Maintaining immune system
• Growth
• Eyesight

Question 14

What is adequate vitamin C consumption important for?

Answer 14

• Aids iron absorbtion
• Wound healing
• Antioxidant

Question 15

Why is excess salt especially dangerous for children?

Answer 15

Their kidneys have not yet developed fully and cannot efficiently excrete excess sodium

Question 16

What is the only reccomended supplement for children?

Answer 16

Vitamin D

Question 17

Is a vegetarian/vegan diet appropriate for a child?

Answer 17

With planning a child can usually obtain all nutrients from a vegan/vegetarian diet.
Important to be aware of key nutrients; b12, iron, calcium, vitamin D, omega’s, iodine

Question 18

What are some common health issues seen in children/infants?

Answer 18

• Colic
• Diarrhoea
• Constipation