Question

1. Summarize the nutrient needs of an infant up to the first year of life. When are solid foods introduced?

Answer 1

Adequate infant nutrition means diet which contribute essential calories, minerals, vitamins and fluids to the infant. Adequate infant nutrition is essential to ensure the growth,development and health in children to their full potential.

The nutrients needed for the infants are

1.Proteins-These are the body building god’s in children. Proteins also helps to fight infection, convert foods into energy as well as to carry oxygen. The protein rich foods are meat , fish, eggs, nuts, beans and diary products.

2. Carbohydrates-CHO are the important source of energy in children. These helps the body to use proteins for building and repairing tissues. The CHO rich foods are cereals, rice, potatoes and breads

3. Fats-This is also the important source of energy. Fats helps the brain to develop in children as well as the skin and hair healthy. It also helps the body to properly use other nutrients.The food which rich in fats are diary products, meat, fish , nuts and cooking oil.

4. Iron- Iron is important in children to have healthy blood cells which helps to carry oxygen to different parts of the body. The iron rich foods are liver, whole grains, beans, nuts and shellfish.

5. Calcium-calcium is essential to build child’s bones and teeth. It also plays an important role in blood clotting and functioning of nerve , muscles and heart.

6. Fiber- Fiber helps to reduce the risk of heart diseases and cancers. It also helps in regular bowel movements in children. The fiber rich foods are chockpeas, lentil, kidney beans and nuts

7. Folate - Folates are necessary for the growth and development of cells in the body. Lack of folate can cause anemia also. Folate rich foods are spinach, lentils, grains, kidney beans, black beans and asparagus

8. Vitamins- All vitamins are essential for baby’s growth and development. The important vitamins are vitamin A and vitamin C. Vitamin A is essential for child’s vision,to prevent infection as well as to keep the skin healthy. The vitamin A rich foods are carrots, spinach, sweet potato, broccoli, cabbage, egg yolks and fish oil. Vitamin C rich foods are citrus fruits,strawberries, tomatoes, potatoes , cabbage, cauliflower,papaya etc

When to start solid foods in infants

Exclusive Breastfeeding should be continued upto 6 months of age. Children should be started to eat solid foods at 6 months of age.By 7-8 months child can eat different foods .