Nutrition in Children and Adolescents (I)
1. Introduction
It is vital that children have adequate nutrition and a healthy diet for your optimal development potential. During childhood and adolescence, dietary habits and exercise can make the difference between a healthy lifestyle and disease risk in later years. At different stages of life, different nutrients are needed.
2. What are the most important considerations in nutrition during the first year of life?
During the first 12 months of life, a baby triples its weight and height increases by 50 percent. These increases in weight and height are the main indices used to assess nutritional status and measured at regular intervals and compared with standard growth charts. These measurements are important tools when assessing children’s progress, especially between 6 and 12 months.
Breastfeeding as the child’s needs, remains the best way to feed a healthy baby is born at term. Human milk meets all nutritional needs for growth and development of the baby. In addition, the first 4-6 months of life are a period of rapid growth, especially for the brain, as breast milk contains amino acids and fatty acid is ideally suited to meet those needs. Breast milk also contains anti-bacterial and anti-infective agents, including immunoglobulins, which are of great importance in strengthening the immune system.
Colostrum, which is the fluid produced by mammary glands during the first days after birth, is rich in proteins, vitamins and minerals. It also contains antibodies and anti-infective agents, anti-inflammatory factors, growth factors, enzymes and hormones that are beneficial to the baby’s growth and development.
Breastfeeding is highly recommended for psychological, physiological and emotional. There is no reason why you should not continue to breastfeed up to two years, as it is beneficial for mother and child from a nutritional standpoint. However, due to changes in lifestyle and commercial availability, are sometimes used in infant formulas, which are generally safe, provided they are used authorized preparations and proper sanitation. Infant formulas try to imitate as far as possible the composition of breast milk and its use must comply with the guidelines established by the European Union and the World Health Organization. Children fed formula should also eat as they need, and for optimal growth of the baby, be prepared promptly following the manufacturer’s instructions. It should pay special attention to the sterilization of utensils used to feed the child, and reduce contamination risks, and that babies fed on formula are not as immune protection that breast-fed babies.
When should I introduce solid foods?
The addition of complementary solid food is usually a gradual process lasting several weeks or months and that should start around 6 months old. The exact time depends on the baby and mother, and reflects the fact that although breast milk is sufficient during the first months, when the child grows and does not provide by itself all the right nutrients. The addition of complementary foods at around 6 months is important for children to develop the ability to chew and speak. You can gradually increase the quality, quantity and variety of solid foods, at a pace that usually requires the child himself. Cereals are generally the first foods that are incorporated into an infant’s diet (mixed with breast milk or preparations), and then introduce the pureed vegetables and fruits, and meat. If you are breast-feeding during the first 4 or 6 months, there will be less likely to develop allergies. Foods that are more likely to cause allergic reactions in sensitive children, such as egg whites and fish are generally taken up after 12 months. To learn more about food allergies.
Due to changes in lifestyle, children’s food marketed, has a greater importance in the diet of children, and therefore should meet rigorous standards of quality and safety. The foods on the market are practical and varied, so are a good option to supplement the meals prepared at home .. Baby foods that are sold are made with fresh fruits, vegetables and meat, have no preservatives, and must meet strict standards.
One aspect to consider in the first year of life is the amount of iron supplied in the diet, and this during childhood, routinely monitors the occurrence of iron deficiency anemia. The use of preparations or cereals fortified with iron and consumption of iron-rich foods such as meat shredded, can help prevent this problem.
Source: www.eufic.org/article/es/page/BARCHIVE/expid/basics-nutricion-ninos-adolescentes/
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