Infant Nutrition Quiz

Infant Nutrition: Energy and Nutrient Needs, Breast Milk, Infant Formula, Introducing Solid Foods

• Infants require high energy intake due to rapid growth and development, with a basal metabolic rate that slows down by the end of the first year of life.
• Energy nutrients in breast milk include carbohydrates, fat, and protein, with vitamins and minerals needed in proportion to weight, especially vitamin A, C, D, and iodine.
• Breast milk provides immunological protection through colostrum, bifidus factors, lactoferrin, and lactadherin, and may also protect against allergies, obesity, and have positive effects on later intelligence.
• Breast milk banks provide donated milk to infants, but donors with certain health conditions are not allowed to donate.
• Infant formula should not contain cow’s milk in the first year of life, and should be iron-fortified and meet safety and nutritional standards developed by AAP and FDA.
• Preterm infants require fortified breast milk with preterm supplement due to limited nutrient stores and physical and metabolic immaturity.
• Cow’s milk should not be introduced until 1-2 years of age, and reduced-fat cow’s milk should be gradually introduced between 2-5 years of age.
• Solid foods should be introduced between 4-6 months, with single-ingredient foods introduced one at a time, and a period of 3-5 days between new foods to monitor for allergic reactions.
• Infant foods should be provided with variety, balance, and moderation, without added salt, sugar, or seasonings, and should include iron-fortified cereals, vitamin C-rich foods, and meats or meat alternatives.
• Vegetarian diets during infancy require energy-dense foods, iron-fortified cereals, and milk products to prevent deficiencies in vitamin D, B12, iron, and calcium.
• Toddlers should be encouraged to explore and enjoy food, with nutritious foods offered and sweets limited, while mealtimes should be pleasant and free of forceful feeding.
• Overall, infant nutrition should prioritize meeting energy and nutrient needs for growth and development, while considering individual health conditions and dietary preferences.

Childhood Nutrition: Energy and Nutrient Needs, Hunger and Malnutrition, Food Allergy and Intolerance, and Childhood Obesity

• Energy requirements vary widely for children, ranging from 800 to 2000 kcalories depending on age.
• Inactivity can lead to obesity in children, and vegans may have difficulty meeting energy needs.
• Carbohydrate recommendations for children are the same as those for adults, while fiber requirements change with age and energy intake.
• Children aged 1-3 should have 30-40% of energy from fat, while those aged 4-18 should have 25-35%.
• Protein needs increase slightly with age, considering nitrogen balance, protein quality, and growth.
• Vitamin and mineral needs increase with age, and a balanced diet meets all needs except for iron, which may require fortified foods, and vitamin D, which may require supplements.
• Supplements should not be necessary except for fluoride, iron, and vitamin D as specifically recommended.
• Hunger and malnutrition can affect behavior, academic performance, attention span, and learning ability in children.
• Iron deficiency and other nutrient deficiencies can also impact behavior and intellectual performance in children.
• Malnourished children are more vulnerable to lead poisoning, which can disrupt normal brain development and cause learning disabilities and behavioral problems.
• Hyperactivity in children may be caused by inconsistent care, lack of sleep, lack of regular mealtimes and outdoor activity, and certain food additives, but not by sugar.
• Childhood obesity is influenced by genetic and environmental factors, including parental obesity, poor diet, physical inactivity, convenience foods, non-nutritious school choices, sedentary activities, and energy-dense soft drinks. It can lead to abnormal blood lipid profiles, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, respiratory disease, emotional and social problems, and discrimination.

Nutrition for Children and Adolescents

• Parents should offer a variety of foods and make mealtimes fun to honor children's preferences.
• Children should participate in planning meals and assist with food preparation to learn about nutrition.
• Power struggles should be avoided, and children should regulate their own food intakes and determine their likes and dislikes.
• Parents should be alert to foods that are common causes of choking and ensure children are sitting while eating.
• Outdoor play should be scheduled before meals, and children should be taught how to snack and limit access to concentrated sweets.
• Brushing and flossing after meals, brushing or rinsing after snacks, and avoiding sticky foods can prevent dental caries.
• Children learn through imitation, so parents should serve as role models and help develop positive attitudes toward food and eating.
• Schools should offer breakfast and lunch at a reasonable cost and provide free or reduced-cost meals to low-income children.
• Adolescence is a time of growth and development, with varying energy and nutrient needs depending on gender, body composition, and physical activity.
• Vitamins and minerals like iron and calcium are crucial during adolescence, and food choices and health habits can have lasting effects.
• Childhood obesity is linked to the early development of chronic diseases like Type 2 diabetes and heart disease.
• Physical activity and a healthy diet with moderation, not deprivation, are recommended for children and adolescents, and smoking increases the risk of heart disease.