Welcome to my blog on Infant nutrition. There are articles on many aspects of Infant Nutrition and I hope you find the information that you are looking for.
Michael Adams
If you enjoy this blog on infant nutrition then take a look at my other blogs.
Childhood Obesity
Childhood Obesity Statistics
Fitness for the Family
Wednesday, October 04, 2006
Tuesday, October 03, 2006
Are Vitamins Important For Infant Nutrition And What Do They Need?
The education on health and nutrition has covered a wide arena. Books, journals, news, advertisements, pamphlets, and the likes are all modes used in the transmission of the information. Hence, the education on the need to take natural vitamin supplements has become adamant and has covered people from all walks of life.
Children in particular are not exempted. They may not be working as tough and as hard as some of the working individuals out there or their health is not in demise compared to the senior citizens, yet the need for kids to take vitamins is a vital factor.
Why do we need to take vitamins? Are vitamins important for children? What do they need?
Several studies show the actual benefit as garnered from the intake of vitamin supplements. Several illnesses have been proven to be avoided due to the proper and sensible intake of multivitamins. The daily diet which the children take in may not necessarily provide the ample amount of all the nutrients needed by their bodies.
In fact, it is clearly emphasized how vitamin deficiencies and malnutrition lead to several types of diseases. The symptoms which become visible when one is deficient with a certain vitamin nutrient are tiredness, irritability, muscle cramps, headache, cough, and colds.
When these factors become noticeably ongoing for a long duration of time, then going to and seeing a doctor is highly recommended.
It is even good to see that today's generation has further become aware of their health. Vitamins are particularly important to children. Basically, the vitamins which an infant takes up to such span of time of his formative years greatly contribute to his physical and mental developments.
The bone, muscle, and brain formations are considered to be very vital for a child. That is why it has always been deemed necessary for a child to possibly get the best level of vitamin nutrients as supplemented by vitamin pills or vitamin liquids prescribed by the pediatrician.
Do the children need to take vitamins?
This question oftentimes bugs the parents and the soon-to-be-parents. This question is also usually one that parents should ask themselves or their doctors. Before the children must be pumped with all sorts of vitamin supplements which are of course usually over-the-counter, the choice of vitamin must be set to be conducive to their good health. The doctor's prescription will be of great help.
It always seems a good idea to give the children all the extra nutrients which parents can have hold on, however, it is a clearly stated fact that not all simple vitamin formulas are enough to keep the children healthy. It is not always an advisable idea to rely on the vitamin supplements to do the task of keeping the children healthy.
As always, a balanced diet, and a health-oriented lifestyle and daily practice will solve the problem.
In most cases, the doctors often prescribe vitamins for the babies and toddlers to take most especially when there is the suspicion of a vitamin deficiency tendency or any other kind of disorder which may hinder good health and proper nutrition. In the case of pregnant women, prenatal checkups require prenatal vitamins to aid in the fetus's brain formation.
Children who tend to be picky eaters mostly need vitamins. However, it must be borne in mind that vitamins are only supplements and are not the direct source of nutrition. Vitamins are not substitutes for food. One more reason why kids must take vitamins is for the strengthening of the immune system in order to evade diseases and illnesses which may hinder proper growth and nutrition.
Vitamins also help out in the recovery period during prolonged illnesses or some chronic conditions. Vitamin therapy, as it is called, may be advantageous for children who suffer from very serious illnesses.
The children's immune system must well be taken cared of. So when foreign bodies get through the system, the child's strong immune system can fight it off. Al all times, children's vitamins always come with iron and minerals. Parents likewise must not teach the children to take the vitamins like candies as they may have the concept of taking vitamins more than the usual.
It will be better to teach the children to treat the vitamins like medicine which will help them become strong and healthy.
About the Author
Ben Adams publishes an informative website, providing free useful and helpful information about vitamins and minerals at: Important Vitamin
Children in particular are not exempted. They may not be working as tough and as hard as some of the working individuals out there or their health is not in demise compared to the senior citizens, yet the need for kids to take vitamins is a vital factor.
Why do we need to take vitamins? Are vitamins important for children? What do they need?
Several studies show the actual benefit as garnered from the intake of vitamin supplements. Several illnesses have been proven to be avoided due to the proper and sensible intake of multivitamins. The daily diet which the children take in may not necessarily provide the ample amount of all the nutrients needed by their bodies.
In fact, it is clearly emphasized how vitamin deficiencies and malnutrition lead to several types of diseases. The symptoms which become visible when one is deficient with a certain vitamin nutrient are tiredness, irritability, muscle cramps, headache, cough, and colds.
When these factors become noticeably ongoing for a long duration of time, then going to and seeing a doctor is highly recommended.
It is even good to see that today's generation has further become aware of their health. Vitamins are particularly important to children. Basically, the vitamins which an infant takes up to such span of time of his formative years greatly contribute to his physical and mental developments.
The bone, muscle, and brain formations are considered to be very vital for a child. That is why it has always been deemed necessary for a child to possibly get the best level of vitamin nutrients as supplemented by vitamin pills or vitamin liquids prescribed by the pediatrician.
Do the children need to take vitamins?
This question oftentimes bugs the parents and the soon-to-be-parents. This question is also usually one that parents should ask themselves or their doctors. Before the children must be pumped with all sorts of vitamin supplements which are of course usually over-the-counter, the choice of vitamin must be set to be conducive to their good health. The doctor's prescription will be of great help.
It always seems a good idea to give the children all the extra nutrients which parents can have hold on, however, it is a clearly stated fact that not all simple vitamin formulas are enough to keep the children healthy. It is not always an advisable idea to rely on the vitamin supplements to do the task of keeping the children healthy.
As always, a balanced diet, and a health-oriented lifestyle and daily practice will solve the problem.
In most cases, the doctors often prescribe vitamins for the babies and toddlers to take most especially when there is the suspicion of a vitamin deficiency tendency or any other kind of disorder which may hinder good health and proper nutrition. In the case of pregnant women, prenatal checkups require prenatal vitamins to aid in the fetus's brain formation.
Children who tend to be picky eaters mostly need vitamins. However, it must be borne in mind that vitamins are only supplements and are not the direct source of nutrition. Vitamins are not substitutes for food. One more reason why kids must take vitamins is for the strengthening of the immune system in order to evade diseases and illnesses which may hinder proper growth and nutrition.
Vitamins also help out in the recovery period during prolonged illnesses or some chronic conditions. Vitamin therapy, as it is called, may be advantageous for children who suffer from very serious illnesses.
The children's immune system must well be taken cared of. So when foreign bodies get through the system, the child's strong immune system can fight it off. Al all times, children's vitamins always come with iron and minerals. Parents likewise must not teach the children to take the vitamins like candies as they may have the concept of taking vitamins more than the usual.
It will be better to teach the children to treat the vitamins like medicine which will help them become strong and healthy.
About the Author
Ben Adams publishes an informative website, providing free useful and helpful information about vitamins and minerals at: Important Vitamin
Monday, October 02, 2006
The Secrets To Providing Infant With The Best Nutrition After Birth
While there are currently many substitute formulations available for providing newborns and infants with adequate nutrition, breastfeeding should never be considered as one of many possible options. This is because the breast secretions furnished by the mother meet not only the nutritional needs of newborns and infants, but their developmental needs as well.
The pre-milk, or colostrum, secreted immediately after birth is important for the development of a healthy digestive system, and both colostrum and mature breast milk play crucial roles in the development of a strong immune system.
To get the maximum benefits from these secretions and ensure optimal growth and nutrition, breastfeeding should always be chosen over artificial formulations and other food sources for as long as possible throughout the first year of life.
Colostrum is the first food available to breastfeeding newborns, and remains the primary mammary secretion for the first 3-4 days after birth. The composition of colostrum is very different from that of mature breast milk.
In addition to being more yellow or orange in appearance, it is also much thicker, and is secreted in far smaller quantities. Because colostrum is a concentrated, easily digested food source that is tailor-made to meet the nutritional needs of newborn infants, breastfeeding babies do not require the large volumes of fluid required for bottle-fed babies during the first few days of life.
Breastfeeding and colostrum play an equally important role in the rapid development of the digestive system immediately after birth, and in the further strengthening of the immune system throughout the first few weeks of life.
Colostrum is rich in non-nutritional proteins essential for the maturation and decreased permeability of the lower digestive tract, and newborns receiving colostrum during the first three days of life show a decreased incidence of diarrhea during their first 6 months.
Colostrum also contains high concentrations of antibodies called immunoglobulins. Rather than being absorbed in the body, the immunoglobulins in colostrum adhere to mucosal surfaces in the throat, lungs, and intestines of newborns, protecting them against infection by preventing pathogens from sticking to or penetrating these surfaces.
In order to ensure optimal digestive and immune system development and meet the changing nutritional needs of newborns and infants, breastfeeding should occur as often as possible, with newborns ideally having constant access to breasts during the first 24 to 72 hours after birth.
A good general guideline to follow for breastfeeding frequency is 8-12 times throughout each 24-hour period. More frequent feeding stimulates increased mature milk production, and also helps prevent engorging as babies get older. If possible, infants should continue breastfeeding for the first 6-12 months to aid in the further development of the immune system.
To prevent the onset of milk or other food allergies later in a baby's development, it is often best not to introduce other foods into the diet during this time.
The pre-milk, or colostrum, secreted immediately after birth is important for the development of a healthy digestive system, and both colostrum and mature breast milk play crucial roles in the development of a strong immune system.
To get the maximum benefits from these secretions and ensure optimal growth and nutrition, breastfeeding should always be chosen over artificial formulations and other food sources for as long as possible throughout the first year of life.
Colostrum is the first food available to breastfeeding newborns, and remains the primary mammary secretion for the first 3-4 days after birth. The composition of colostrum is very different from that of mature breast milk.
In addition to being more yellow or orange in appearance, it is also much thicker, and is secreted in far smaller quantities. Because colostrum is a concentrated, easily digested food source that is tailor-made to meet the nutritional needs of newborn infants, breastfeeding babies do not require the large volumes of fluid required for bottle-fed babies during the first few days of life.
Breastfeeding and colostrum play an equally important role in the rapid development of the digestive system immediately after birth, and in the further strengthening of the immune system throughout the first few weeks of life.
Colostrum is rich in non-nutritional proteins essential for the maturation and decreased permeability of the lower digestive tract, and newborns receiving colostrum during the first three days of life show a decreased incidence of diarrhea during their first 6 months.
Colostrum also contains high concentrations of antibodies called immunoglobulins. Rather than being absorbed in the body, the immunoglobulins in colostrum adhere to mucosal surfaces in the throat, lungs, and intestines of newborns, protecting them against infection by preventing pathogens from sticking to or penetrating these surfaces.
In order to ensure optimal digestive and immune system development and meet the changing nutritional needs of newborns and infants, breastfeeding should occur as often as possible, with newborns ideally having constant access to breasts during the first 24 to 72 hours after birth.
A good general guideline to follow for breastfeeding frequency is 8-12 times throughout each 24-hour period. More frequent feeding stimulates increased mature milk production, and also helps prevent engorging as babies get older. If possible, infants should continue breastfeeding for the first 6-12 months to aid in the further development of the immune system.
To prevent the onset of milk or other food allergies later in a baby's development, it is often best not to introduce other foods into the diet during this time.
How To Enhance Infant Protection From Infection And Disease through Infant Nutrition
In 1975, a pediatrician named Allan Walker reported a startling link between formula-fed infants and the occurrence of infectious diseases like neonatal meningitis and food allergies. In that report, he suggested that the this link was due to antigen absorption through the intestinal walls, and that breastfeeding infants for the first three months of life would prevent this absorption and decrease their susceptibility to disease.
He concluded that the passive immunity provided by colostrum and breast milk might play an important role in protecting infants from infection and disease by blocking the passage of pathogens and toxins through the intestinal walls and into the bloodstream. Dr. Walker's report initiated decades of further research, and we now know that he was right.
Colostrum and breast milk do much more than provide nutritional support. They also provide developmental support that is necessary for the maturation of the gastrointestinal tract, and immunological support that is vital for the continued growth and strengthening of the immune system.
Colostrum is the first milk provided to breastfeeding newborns during the first few days of life. This special milk is yellow to orange in color, thick and rather sticky, and very easily digested. It is richer in proteins than mature breast milk--both nutritional proteins for utilization in the body, and non-nutritional proteins that remain in the gut to aid in its closure to pathogens and toxins.
Infants who receive colostrum early and often have mature digestive tracts that are more robust throughout their first six months of life, and strong immune systems that are better able to resist infection and disease. Colostrum is the perfect source of nutrition for infants, providing them with the nutrients required to ensure proper growth and the development of the brain and nervous system.
Colostrum changes gradually to mature milk during the first two weeks after birth. During this transition period, the breast milk will become thinner in its consistency and whiter in its appearance. The concentration of antibodies in the transition milk will begin to decrease, while its overall volume will begin to increase. The antibodies and other immune factors in mature human breast milk do not disappear completely; in fact, immunological protection against viruses and bacteria continues to be passed along from the mother to the baby as long as the baby continues breastfeeding. Like colostrum, breast milk is the perfect source of nutrition for infants, and tailor-made to their changing needs over time.
It contains an optimal balance of carbohydrates, protein, and fat for energy, and it provides the digestive enzymes, minerals, vitamins, and hormones for a baby's optimal health and continued growth.
Most commercially prepared formulas are based on non-fat bovine milk, whey protein, or soy protein. These formulas must be fortified with carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, and minerals in order for them to match the nutritional content of colostrum and breast milk.
But the active antibodies and other immune factors contained in human colostrum and breast milk cannot be added to these formulas, and they cannot provide the same developmental stimulus or immunological protection. As a result, babies receiving fluids other than mother's colostrum/breast milk for first three days of life have an increased incidence of diarrhea during their first six months, and formula-fed infants are more prone to a variety of common infections to which they are particularly vulnerable.
About the Author
Feel free to use this article on your website or ezine as long as the following information about author/website is included.
http://www.BuyBovineColostrum.com
He concluded that the passive immunity provided by colostrum and breast milk might play an important role in protecting infants from infection and disease by blocking the passage of pathogens and toxins through the intestinal walls and into the bloodstream. Dr. Walker's report initiated decades of further research, and we now know that he was right.
Colostrum and breast milk do much more than provide nutritional support. They also provide developmental support that is necessary for the maturation of the gastrointestinal tract, and immunological support that is vital for the continued growth and strengthening of the immune system.
Colostrum is the first milk provided to breastfeeding newborns during the first few days of life. This special milk is yellow to orange in color, thick and rather sticky, and very easily digested. It is richer in proteins than mature breast milk--both nutritional proteins for utilization in the body, and non-nutritional proteins that remain in the gut to aid in its closure to pathogens and toxins.
Infants who receive colostrum early and often have mature digestive tracts that are more robust throughout their first six months of life, and strong immune systems that are better able to resist infection and disease. Colostrum is the perfect source of nutrition for infants, providing them with the nutrients required to ensure proper growth and the development of the brain and nervous system.
Colostrum changes gradually to mature milk during the first two weeks after birth. During this transition period, the breast milk will become thinner in its consistency and whiter in its appearance. The concentration of antibodies in the transition milk will begin to decrease, while its overall volume will begin to increase. The antibodies and other immune factors in mature human breast milk do not disappear completely; in fact, immunological protection against viruses and bacteria continues to be passed along from the mother to the baby as long as the baby continues breastfeeding. Like colostrum, breast milk is the perfect source of nutrition for infants, and tailor-made to their changing needs over time.
It contains an optimal balance of carbohydrates, protein, and fat for energy, and it provides the digestive enzymes, minerals, vitamins, and hormones for a baby's optimal health and continued growth.
Most commercially prepared formulas are based on non-fat bovine milk, whey protein, or soy protein. These formulas must be fortified with carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, and minerals in order for them to match the nutritional content of colostrum and breast milk.
But the active antibodies and other immune factors contained in human colostrum and breast milk cannot be added to these formulas, and they cannot provide the same developmental stimulus or immunological protection. As a result, babies receiving fluids other than mother's colostrum/breast milk for first three days of life have an increased incidence of diarrhea during their first six months, and formula-fed infants are more prone to a variety of common infections to which they are particularly vulnerable.
About the Author
Feel free to use this article on your website or ezine as long as the following information about author/website is included.
http://www.BuyBovineColostrum.com
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