Nutrition Across the Lifespan Quiz

Introduction to Nutrition Across the Lifespan

• Growth: Increase in size and mass of an organism.
• Development: Process of an organism maturing and becoming more complex.
• Impact on growth and development: Nutrition plays a crucial role in the development and wellbeing of individuals across their lifespan.
• Impact on disease prevention: Proper nutrition helps prevent chronic diseases and promotes optimal health.

Nutrition in Infancy

• Full-Term infant: An infant born between 37 and 42 weeks of gestation.
• Physical characteristics of a full-term infant:
  • Normal weight: 3.5 kg (normal range: 2.7–4.6 kg).
  • Normal length: 50 cm.
  • Normal head circumference: 35 cm.
  • Disproportionate head size.
  • Bowed legs.
  • Overall body fat.
  • 75% body weight at birth is water.
• Physiological characteristics:
  • Normal heart rate: 110 to 160 beats/minute.
  • Normal respiratory rate: 30–50 breaths/minute.
  • Normal body temperature: 36.5 to 37.4°C (axillary).
• Primary reflexes: Important for neurological development.
  • Rooting reflex: Seeking nipple when cheek is touched.
  • Sucking reflex: Creating negative pressure for feeding.
  • Moro reflex: Startle response with arm extension.
  • Palmar grasp reflex: Grasping objects placed in palm.
  • Plantar grasp reflex: Curling of toes when foot is stroked.
  • Stepping reflex: Walking movements when feet touch a surface.
  • Placing reflex: Lifting foot when the top is touched.
  • Asymmetric Tonic Neck reflex: Head turning resulting in arm stretching.

Feeding Practices

• Breastfeeding
  • Optimal infant nutrition source: Tailored composition to meet infant needs.
  • Prolactin: The main hormone responsible for milk production.
  • Lactation: Period of milk production by the mother’s mammary gland to feed her infant.
  • Recommended for the first 6 months of life.
  • Continued breastfeeding with complementary foods up to 2 years or longer.
  • Cup Feeding: Safe alternative to breastfeeding.
• Benefits of breastfeeding:
  • Nutritional adequacy.
  • Protective antibodies: Provide immunity against infection.
  • Bonding and attachment between mother and infant.
  • Lower risk of allergies.
  • Antibacterial properties.

Formula Feeding

• Breast milk substitute: Made from dried milk powder.
• Composition: Cow's milk base, vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients.
• Types of infant formulas:
  • Milk-based Formulas: Standard options for most infants.
  • Soy-based Formulas: For lactose intolerance or allergies.
  • Specialty Formulas: For specific medical conditions.
• Key differences between formula and breast milk:
  • Antibody content: Breast milk contains antibodies that provide immune protection.
  • Nutritional composition: Breast milk is more readily digestible and contains specific nutrients tailored to the infant's needs.

Formula Feeding Risks

• Absence of protective antibodies: Limited immune protection.
• Importance of proper preparation and handling: To prevent contamination and health issues.
• Risks of contamination and health issues: Improper formula use can lead to health problems.

Feeding Guidelines

• 0-6 months: Exclusive breastfeeding or formula feeding.
• 7-12 months: Introduction of solid foods while continuing breastfeeding/formula.

Nutritional Needs and Important Nutrients

Nutritional Requirements

• Overview of caloric needs in infancy: Infants have a high caloric need for growth and development.
• Role of breast milk and formula: Meet the infant's nutritional needs during the first year of life.

Important Nutrients for Growth and Development

• Protein: Important for tissue growth and development.
  • Sources: breast milk, formula, and solid foods.
• Calcium: Important for bone development and growth.
  • Sources: breast milk, formula, and dairy products.
• Whole Grains and Complex Carbohydrates:
  • Benefits: Provide energy and essential nutrients.
  • Examples: Whole-grain cereals, pasta, and bread.
• Vitamins A, B, C, and E:
  • Vitamin A: Important for vision and immune function.
  • B Vitamins: Essential for energy metabolism and brain development.
  • Vitamin C: Antioxidant role and important for skin health.
  • Vitamin E: Cellular protection.
  • Sources: Variety of fruits, vegetables, and fortified foods.
• High-Fat foods:
  • Importance: Needed for brain development.
  • Sources: Whole-milk dairy, avocados, and cooking oils.
• Iron: Important for oxygen transport and energy levels.
  • Sources: Fortified cereals, meat, poultry, fish, eggs, and legumes.
• Omega-3 Fatty Acids (DHA):
  • Role: Crucial for brain development and cognitive function.
  • Sources: Fatty fish, flaxseed, and DHA-enriched foods.
• Fluids:
  • Hydration needs in infancy: Infants require adequate fluid intake.
  • Transition to solid foods: Introduce water as an alternative beverage.

Feeding Techniques and Infant Formula Composition

• Recognizing hunger cues:
  • Behavioral signs: Crying, rooting, and sucking motions.
  • Differences between breastfed and formula-fed infants: Breastfed infants may exhibit different hunger cues compared to formula-fed infants.

Regulatory Considerations

• Executive Order 51, 1986 (Philippines): National Code of Marketing Breastmilk substitutes.
  • Goals: Promote breastfeeding, ensure safe nutrition, and regulate the marketing of breast milk substitutes
  • Promote breastfeeding as the ideal infant feeding practice.

Nutrition in Toddlers (1-2 Years)

• Developmental milestones:
  • Physical Milestones: First steps, running, climbing.
  • Cognitive Milestones: Problem-solving, exploring surroundings.
  • Social-Emotional Milestones: Developing autonomy, showing defiance.
  • Language Development: Vocabulary expansion, understanding simple phrases.

Healthy Bodies (Toddlers)

• Nutritional guidelines:
  • Nutrient-dense foods.
  • Importance of hydration.
• Managing Picky Eating: Repeated exposure to new foods, creative presentation.
• Physical Activity: Encouraging active play and exploration.
• Sleep Recommendations: Importance of sleep for growth and development.

Nutrition for Preschoolers (3-5 Years)

• Developmental milestones:
  • Physical Skills: Riding a tricycle, jumping, using tools.
  • Cognitive Skills: Understanding concepts like time, counting, and colors.
  • Social Skills: Sharing, taking turns, and playing cooperatively.
  • Language Development: Expanding vocabulary, storytelling, and singing.

Healthy Bodies (Preschoolers)

• Meal Planning:
  • Involving children in meal preparation.
  • Emphasizing balanced meals with fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
• Screen Time Management: Developing a family media use plan.
• Sleep Requirements: 10-13 hours for preschoolers.

Nutrient Allowances for Toddlers and Preschoolers

• Introduction to Nutritional Needs: Specific nutritional requirements for toddlers and preschoolers.
• Failure to thrive: Term used for a preschool child who is not developing as expected.

Test your knowledge on the importance of nutrition throughout different life stages, from infancy to adulthood. This quiz covers growth, development, and how proper nutrition can prevent diseases. Evaluate your understanding of infant nutritional needs and characteristics.