LECTURE NOTES
This is a list of the topics mentioned in the lecture - please refer to your paediatrics textbook for detailed information. I also include some additional resources and references.
1 Metabolic programming
Nutrition received from conception to 2 years of age has the greatest impact on the health of the child for the rest of life. Healthy nutrition during pregnancy, breastfeeding in the first 6 months, and appropriate weaning practises give the right direction to optimum physical and cognitive development, and in the prevention of non-communicable diseases.
Early nutrition programming of adult health: Link.
2. Global perspective
(a) Malnutrition (UNICEF data) Link.
(b) Vitamin A Deficiency (UNICEF data) Link.
3. Normal growth patterns
(a) Growth patterns and factors influencing growth.
(b) The use and interpretation of growth charts: Link.
4. Abnormal growth
(a) Failure to thrive
(b) Malabsorption (coeliac disease and CF)
(c) Obesity - 40% of Maltese children are overweight or obese. Medical and psycho-social problems in childhood, tracking and complications in adulthood. Advice to Parents: Link.
5. Infant feeding
(a) The advantages and challenges of breastfeeding
(b) Specific vitamin deficiencies
Complementary foods should not be introduced before 4 months but should not be delayed beyond 6 months.
Allergenic foods may be introduced when complementary feeding is commenced any time after 4 months.
Nutrition received from conception to 2 years of age has the greatest impact on the health of the child for the rest of life. Healthy nutrition during pregnancy, breastfeeding in the first 6 months, and appropriate weaning practises give the right direction to optimum physical and cognitive development, and in the prevention of non-communicable diseases.
Early nutrition programming of adult health: Link.
2. Global perspective
(a) Malnutrition (UNICEF data) Link.
(b) Vitamin A Deficiency (UNICEF data) Link.
3. Normal growth patterns
(a) Growth patterns and factors influencing growth.
(b) The use and interpretation of growth charts: Link.
4. Abnormal growth
(a) Failure to thrive
(b) Malabsorption (coeliac disease and CF)
(c) Obesity - 40% of Maltese children are overweight or obese. Medical and psycho-social problems in childhood, tracking and complications in adulthood. Advice to Parents: Link.
5. Infant feeding
(a) The advantages and challenges of breastfeeding
(b) Specific vitamin deficiencies
(i) Iron deficiency anaemia(c) Weaning
(ii) Vitamin D deficiency. “Universally supplement all infants with vitamin D from birth to 12 months of age, independent of their mode of feeding.” (Global Consensus Recommendations on Prevention and Management of Nutritional Rickets - Link). In practice, breastfed infants should be supplemented with Vitamin D.
Complementary foods should not be introduced before 4 months but should not be delayed beyond 6 months.
Allergenic foods may be introduced when complementary feeding is commenced any time after 4 months.
Medical Position Paper. Complementary Feeding: A Commentary by the ESPGHAN Committee on Nutrition, 2017. Link.
