Infant Nutrition
Infant Nutrition is a complex science that deals with providing essential nutrients to infants and babies. Up until the 17th century, infant mortality rates were high. Due to a lack of knowledge on how the young could be fed. In other terms, Infant nutrition is a period of development. When an infant’s diet changes from breast milk to solid food. It begins with the introduction of family foods around six months. Then progresses slowly over time between 6 months and 12 months of age.
As well, until it becomes more like the diet of an older child. Since then, scientific advancements have evolved fiercely and now infants all over the world are adequately fed. Such that they can develop into healthy and robust adults.Infant nutrition mainly focuses on ‘Formula-feeding’ or the act of feeding infants with powdered milk. Which is known as formula expressed from another mammal known as the ‘breast milk substitute’. It can also refer to the actual nutrients themselves i.e lactose, lipids, carbs, and proteins.
The infant formula milk powder is made from cow’s milk which we refer to as the ‘primary source. And secondly, it could be made from soy or rice (known as the ‘secondary’ source). It has been reported that around 30% of infants are fed with formula milk powder. This percentage is rising by around 5%. The World Health Organization (WHO) and the Pan American Health Organization also said that breast milk is important for infants from birth to six months.
Infant nutrition, also known as pediatric nutrition, Recommended dietary allowances (RDA) for nutrients are developed. To meet the requirements of healthy infants, to prevent nutrient deficiencies that could lead to poor health. Many infant formulas are available to supply complete nutrition for infants. Therefore, for the good health of your newborn it is important for the parents to follow dietary formulas.