Pediatric Nutrition Flashcards
Infant nutrition basics
lack of caloric reserve
increased metabolic rate
growth rates higher in infancy
increased demands during illness
dependence/independence
Typical infant growth
normally 3-4kg at birth
infant weight doubles by 4-6 months
infant weight triples by 12 months
infant length increases 50% by 12 months
Preschool age growth: 2-6 years
growth slows, but is constant
adipose tissue distribution begins after age 2
Middle childhood age growth: 7-10 years
steady growth
females > males in height and weight
Ages 11-18 growth (adolescence)
begins before puberty and continues until growth is complete
rate of weight gain increases
Assessing growth
growth charts available length, weight, head circumference assessment
which growth chart:
WHO: < 2 yrs old
CDC: 2-20 yrs old
different charts for boys and girls
Nutrition requirements
growth is NOT a linear process
variations that affect the rate of growth: age, organ function, body composition
Ex of body composition/organ function requirements
adults: brain 2% ABW, 19% BEE (basal energy expenditure)
neonates: brain 10% ABW, 44% BEE
~50% of a neonate’s basal energy expenditure is used by their brain (keep infants with appropriate glucose source because large amount of metabolic demand is focused in the brain - supports neurologic development)
Pediatric malnutrition
malnutrition: deficiencies or excess in nutrient intake, imbalance of essential nutrients or impaired nutrient utilization –> can result in wasting, stunting, underweight, obesity, and micronutrient deficiences
Antropometry
growth charts with z-scores, mid-upper arm circumference
Z-score –> statistical analysis that tells us the distance and direction of an observation from a population mean (# of standard deviations you are from the mean)
ex. z-score = -4.2, 4,2 lower than the 50th percentile
Failure to thrive (growth faltering)
fall of 2 major percentiles
weight < 3-5th percentile
Etiology of malnutrition
acute (injured, don’t eat a lot) vs chronic causes (ex: critical illness, heart failure, cystic fibrosis)
leads to morbidity and mortality –> linked to unfavorable outcomes
Malnutrition mechanism
imbalance of energy needs and intake
three causes: inadequate caloric intake, inadequate absorption (cystic fibrosis), or excessive energy expenditure (heart failure)
Caloric requirements
as kids get older, kcal/kilo per day requirements will decrease
Breastfeeding
if no contraindications, AAP recommends: exclusive breastfeeding for first 6 mo, optimally continue for at least 1 year, may extend beyond 1 year if desired
WHO suggests up to 2 years
Breastfeeding advantages for newborn
optimal nutrients
decreased risk of infection (can pass antibodies to neonate)
decreased risk of immune-mediated diseases
psychological and cognitive advantages (bonding - oxytocin based advantages)
Breastfeeding advantages for mother
decreased post-partum bleeding
faster time to attainment of pre-pregnancy weight (breastfeeding burns a lot of calories)
decreased risk of breast and ovarian cancer
increased child spacing
mother - infant bond
Breast milk
caloric density: 20 kcal/ounce
mostly composed of water; components: lipids - 50% of caloric content, long-chain fatty acids; proteins - 70% whey, 30% casein; carbs - lactose
Breastfeeding contraindications
active, untreated maternal tuberculosis
HIV positive
human T-cell lymphotropic virus (type I and II)
ebola infection
untreated brucellosis
use of illicit drugs
DRUGS