Nutrition Week 13

What is the main cause of infant mortality in the U.S.?

Low birthweight (<5.5 lbs) and preterm births (before 37 weeks)

Which groups have the highest infant mortality rates?

Black, Pacific Islander, American Indian, and Alaska Native infants

What are the ideal birth characteristics for infant survival?

Born at or after 37 weeks and weigh 5 lb 8 oz to 8 lb 13 oz

What is the best indicator of a newborn’s health?

Birth weight

What factors influence birth weight?

Mother's pre-pregnancy size, weight gain, pregnancy duration, prenatal care, maternal age and health, substance use

What contributes to pregnancy weight gain?

12 lbs: blood volume, uterus, breasts; 12 lbs: fetus, placenta, amniotic fluid; 8–9 lbs: fat stores

How much weight is typically lost one week postpartum?

15 lbs

What are caloric needs during pregnancy?

2nd trimester: +340 kcal/day; 3rd trimester: +450 kcal/day

In which trimesters are protein needs increased?

2nd and 3rd trimesters (additional 25g/day)

Why is folate important in pregnancy?

Needed for DNA synthesis; deficiency linked to neural tube defects

How much folate is recommended daily during pregnancy?

600 mcg

When are calcium needs highest during pregnancy?

3rd trimester

What is the recommended daily vitamin D intake in pregnancy?

600 IU

What is the most common nutrient deficiency in pregnant women in the U.S.?

Iron

What are key nutrients for fetal brain development?

Omega-3s (EPA and DHA), choline

What is the safe caffeine intake during pregnancy?

<200 mg/day (avoid energy drinks)

What foods/substances should be avoided or treated with caution during pregnancy?

Alcohol, foodborne illness risks, vitamin A, nonnutritive sweeteners, excess caffeine

What causes Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD)?

Fetal exposure to alcohol

What are symptoms of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD)?

Low birth weight, facial abnormalities, hyperactivity, attention and learning issues, organ problems, lower IQ

What is the prevalence of FASD in school-age kids?

1–5%

Why is breast milk recommended for the first 4–6 months?

Tailored nutrients, immune support, adapts to infant’s needs

What are alternatives to direct breastfeeding?

Pumping, milk banks, formula

What is the caloric need for milk production?

+500 kcal/day

Does under-eating affect breastmilk production?

Reduces quantity, not quality

What are growth milestones for infants at 4 months?

Double birth weight

What are growth milestones for infants at 1 year?

Triple weight, 50% length increase

What are growth milestones for infants at 2 years?

Growth rate slows

What is the critical brain development window?

First 1,000 days

What foods are of concern for infants?

Allergens, choking hazards, honey, cow’s milk, low-fat foods, added sugars

What is the typical growth rate for children aged 2–10 years?

5 lbs/year, 2–3 inches/year

When does appetite typically increase in children?

During growth spurts

What is the purpose of CDC growth charts?

Assess weight, height, BMI compared to age peers

What are BMI classifications in children?

Overweight: ≥85th–<95th percentile; Obese: ≥95th percentile; Severe obesity: ≥120th percentile

What are limitations of BMI for kids?

Better to monitor growth curves

What are the ages of the adolescent growth spurt for girls?

9–12

What are the ages of the adolescent growth spurt for boys?

12–14

What percentage of adult weight is gained during the adolescent growth spurt?

50%

What percentage of adult height is achieved during the adolescent growth spurt?

20–25%

What percentage of bone mass is gained during the adolescent growth spurt?

40%

What tend to be the diets of U.S. children?

High in energy-dense, low in nutrient-dense foods

What are common nutrient deficiencies in U.S. kids?

Fiber, vitamin D, E, calcium, magnesium, potassium, iron (in females)

What are diet-related concerns in kids/teens?

Dental issues, Type 2 diabetes, obesity, early heart disease