Nutrition during Growth and Maturation

why are protein important in children

- crucial for growth and development

- children need protein to support the growth of tissues and organs

- needs decrease per pound as a child ages

- DRI ( 1.0 g/kg for ages 1-8 , then decreases slightly with age

why are essentially fatty acids (EFAs) important in kids

- serve as a concentrated source of energy

- omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids are essential

- needed for proper development of the nervous sustem, eyes, and other tissues

what is a food jag

when a child insists on eating only one food repeatedly , often for every meal. normal part of earyl childhood eating behavior and usually passes with time.

reflects:

- learning independence

- experimenting with food and taste preferences

- often accompanies by :

- food aversions (strong dislike for certain foods)

- food neophobia (fear or reluctance to try new foods )

how is obesity diagnosed during childhood

underweight : <5th percentile

- healthy weight : 5-85th percentialy

- overweight : 85 and up

- obese over 95 percentile

tools used

0 csc growth charts ( age - and gender specific )

- BMI for age is the standard metric for children ages 2-20

what factos are contributing to the icnrease in childhood obesity

- dietary factors: high calorie dense / empty calores

- lifestyle: low excercise, food accessible

- socioeocnomic : low income an dminority at higher risk, also overweight paresnts, genetic predispositions and psychological factors

- 35% of kids in us obese

nutritional issues for children and teenagers

- general: not enough nutrient dense foods , increase snack consumption , skipping breakfast, frequent dieting and unhealth weight control

- micronutrient cocnerns: iron deficiency , common in toddlers and younger girls . leads to fatigue , poor academic performanc, poor physical health

- calcium and vitamin D , needed for bone growth and mineralization . highest calcium need 1300 for ages 9-18 . most teens dnt meet calcium reccomendations

what are empty calories

give energy but few or no nutrients

- sweet beverages (10% of total energy )

- grain desserts, pizza

- 40% of kdis total calroeis are emtpy (suggested 8-20%)

what tools are avaiblile to monitor a childs growth

CDC growth charts:

- gender specific and age specific

- for infants ( 0-36 months) :

- length for age weight for age , head size , weight for length

- for kids and teens (2-20) : stature for age , weight for age , bmi for age

minotor to detect malnutriion (acute: weight, chronic: height / head circumfrence)

- track growth oatterns over time not just values

- a healthy range between 5th and 85th percentiles

roughly how many calories do childrenn need at different ages ?

- 1 year old : 800 kcal

- 6 yo 1600

10: 1800

how do genral food pattern reccomendations for children compare to adults

my plate pirnciples apply to both: emphasize variety , nutrient dense , moderation

- differences for kids: adjust for age specific calroies needs . focus on iron and zinc rich foods . avoid added sugars. gradual tranition into healthy eating patterns. improtance of family meals to encourage healthy habits