Description
Importance and overview of protein in early childhood growth,development and immune function. Understanding the essential amino acid profile and its role in supporting growth and development. Sources of Protein in Early Childhood. Introduction of solid foods rich in protein during the transition to complementary feeding (Introduction of solid foods, Timing and methods and Strategies for ensuring balanced protein intake during complementary feeding). The Protein digestibility-corrected amino acid score. Associations between protein intake and risk of obesity, metabolic disorders, and chronic diseases later in life. Evidence-based recommendations for promoting healthy protein intake in early childhood. Practical tips for parents and caregivers to ensure adequate protein consumption. Strategies for overcoming barriers to achieving optimal protein nutrition in young children. Real-life examples illustrating the role of protein nutrition
Résumé
- Breastfeeding is optimal, starting within the first hour of birth and continuing exclusively for six months, then alongside complementary foods until two years or beyond. While malnutrition often focuses on undernutrition, childhood obesity is an increasing concern in India, with overweight rates rising among children under five.
- Early life nutritional exposures, particularly in infancy, significantly affect later disease vulnerability due to metabolic programming and epigenetic changes. Rapid weight gain, especially in the first six months, and early onset of weight gain are predisposing factors for childhood obesity. Factors like genetics, epigenetics, sedentary lifestyles, unhealthy diets, and socioeconomic conditions contribute to this issue.
- Childhood obesity results in various consequences, including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, cancer risk, physical limitations, psychosocial issues, sleep apnea, and orthopedic problems. It can also impact puberty, leading to conditions like PCOS and fertility problems.
- Longer breastfeeding duration is associated with a lower prevalence of obesity. Breast milk protein content changes over time, aligning with the infant's evolving needs. However, high protein formulas can lead to increased insulinogenic amino acids, enhanced weight gain, and body fat deposition.
- Excessive adipogenesis in infants, often triggered by branch-chain amino acids and growth factors in high-protein diets, contributes to obesity. Studies show that high protein intake in infancy enhances preperitoneal fat tissue accumulation, impacting metabolic health.
- Interventions in the postnatal period are crucial for preventing later obesity. The target dietary protein index during infancy is a valuable approach to reducing excess weight gain. A low-protein infant milk diet can be an effective strategy to reduce later obesity risk and its consequences.
- Nutritional counseling should advocate for exclusive breastfeeding and the use of WHO growth charts. Assess and track growth patterns and evaluate feeding practices. Reduce protein intake from infant milk diets, especially for at-risk infants. Choose whey-predominant, lower-protein formulas that closely resemble breast milk to support healthy early growth.
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À propos des intervenants
Dr. Prameela Joji
Senior Consultant Pediatric Critical care, KIMSHEALTH, Thiruvananthapuram.
Divulgation financière
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