pediatric nutrition

pediatric nutrition,

the maintenance of a proper well-balanced diet consisting of the essential nutrients and the adequate caloric intake necessary to promote growth and sustain the physiologic requirements at the various stages of a child's development. Nutritional needs vary considerably with age, level of activity, and environmental conditions, and they are directly related to the rate of growth. In the prenatal period growth totally depends on adequate maternal nutrition. During infancy the need for calories, especially in the form of protein, is greater than at any postnatal period because of the rapid increase in both height and weight. From toddlerhood through the preschool and middle childhood years, growth is uneven and occurs in spurts, with a resulting fluctuation in appetite and calorie consumption. In general, the average child expends 55% of energy on metabolic maintenance, 25% on activity, 12% on growth, and 8% on excretion. The accelerated growth phase during adolescence has greater nutritional requirements, although food habits are often influenced by emotional factors, peer pressure, and fad diets. Inadequate nutrition, especially during critical periods of growth, results in retarded development or illness, such as anemia from deficiency of iron or scurvy from deficiency of vitamin C. The role of the nurse is to educate and give nutritional guidance for good eating habits. A special problem is overfeeding in the early childhood years, which may lead to obesity or hypervitaminosis. See also recommended dietary allowances and specific vitamins.

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Patient discussion about pediatric nutrition.

Q. what is the best nutrition for an asthmatic child? My nephew suffers a lot due to his asthma and I've heard the nutrition he gets can make a big change if suitable. is it true? what should he eat?

A. if your son is taking oral steroids drugs for his asthma,monitor his sodium intake(salt)..find out what your sons trigger foods are by going to a allergist.especially children have asthma attacks soon after eating foods such as peanuts or other nuts..fish..eggs..shellfish..milk..soy.. wheat or bananas.if your sons asthma is not well controlled with the meds he is taking now maybe he needs a oral steriod,along with a stronger puffer(DILATER)....mrfoot56

Q. can a nutritional change make a change in the behaviour of a child with adhd? I heard some kinds of food can make a difference... is that true? I'd love to know if there is such a simple thing I can do to ease my son's life...

A. there is the Feingold Diet, This diet is based on the theory that many children are sensitive to dietary salicylates and artificially added colors. but about 8 studies show that only a few of the ADHD kids have that allergy. but you may as well check if your child is one of the allergic. there was a theory about sugar that was proven wrong.

Q. what consider to be a good nutrition for a child in the age of 6?

A. first of all- the fact that you ask that question is wonderful!! most parents just give up to junk food just because it's easier. asking that question means you are commited to your daughter's health.
now, about your question, here is a link to a site filled with videos of pediatritions speaking of any problem that might come up. this section is about nutrition:
http://www.thedoctorsvideos.com/categories/26/Nutrition