Nutition in infants and children

• What is the main focus of the notes on 'Nutrition in infants and children'?

  Normal growth and nutritional needs in childhood
• Why is early detection of growth issues important in childhood?

  It helps ensure wellbeing at all stages of childhood and adolescence
• What is the most rapid period of growth in humans?

  Fetal stage
• At what rate does growth peak at the end of the second trimester?

  10 cm per month
• What factors influence fetal growth?

  Placental functioning, maternal health, and nutrition
• How much growth occurs in infants during the first 12 months of life?

  About 25 cm
• What becomes a more dominant influence on growth during childhood?

  Hormones
• What is the height velocity range for children?

  4 cm to 7 cm per year
• What hormones are involved in the growth process during puberty?

  Oestrogen in girls and testosterone in boys
• What is the role of growth hormone (GH) in human growth?

  It is the main regulator of human growth
• Where is growth hormone produced?

  In the anterior pituitary gland
• What are the two hormones produced by the hypothalamus that control growth hormone production?

  GH releasing hormone (GH-RH) and somatostatin
• What is the recommended frequency for weighing infants from 2 weeks to 6 months?

  No more than once a month
• What is the purpose of the national child measurement programme?

  To measure children's growth at specific ages
• What is the resting energy requirement for children?

  45 kcal/kg/day
• What should a nutritional assessment in childhood include?

  Measurement of height, weight, and head circumference
• What is the normal weight of a baby at birth?

  1. 5 kg
• How many calories do children aged 1 to 3 require per day?

  1230 calories per day (boys) / 1165 calories per day (girls)
• What is the best feeding method for infants?

  Breastfeeding
• What is colostrum?

  The first milk produced after birth, high in protective immunoglobulin
• What are the benefits of breastfeeding for infants?

  Protects against infections and provides health benefits for mothers
• What are the baby-friendly 10 steps to successful breastfeeding?

  Policies and training for healthcare staff, support for mothers, and rooming-in practices
• What should be done if a mother is taking certain medications?

  She should not breastfeed
• What is the main concern with bacteria in infant formula?

  It can cause life-threatening infections
• How long can a feed be stored in the fridge?

  No longer than 24 hours
• What is the purpose of weaning?

  To transition from a milk-based diet to a food-based diet
• At what age should babies start weaning?

  Around six months
• What are signs of readiness for weaning?

  Can sit up, wants to chew, and reaches accurately
• What is the calorie requirement for children aged 11 to 14?

  2220 calories per day (boys) / 1845 calories per day (girls)
• What is the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in the UK?

  It has become more prevalent in recent years
• Who is particularly at risk for vitamin D deficiency?

  Pregnant and breastfeeding women, infants, and adolescents
• What are some signs of vitamin D deficiency in children?

  Aches and pains, myopathy, and rickets
• What is the recommended vitamin D supplement for children between 6 months and 5 years?

  7 to 8.5 micrograms a day
• What does faltering growth indicate?

  A child is failing to reach their full genetic growth potential
• What is a recommendation for referral to a pediatrician regarding faltering growth?

  More than 10% loss of birth weight at day 5 (formula fed)
• What is the most common cause of faltering growth?

  Inadequate intake in relation to the child’s energy requirement
• What interventions can be taken for infants with faltering growth?

  Observe feeding and establish a regular feeding pattern
• What should be done for toddlers with faltering growth?

  Establish regular small meal and snack times
• What is important to consider when discussing feeding with families?

  Feeding can be an emotive issue and should be discussed sensitively
• What did the systematic review (2009) find about children's views on body size?

  Children did not see body shape as an immediately relevant issue unless very overweight