Adequate nutrition is one of the important factors influencing a baby’s growth and development6. The growth rate is the fastest in the first three months after birth, reaching about 30 grams per day. The growth rate subsequently slows down to about 15 grams per day by 3-6 months and about 10 grams per day from 6-12 months5,6. Malnutrition in the first year of life can have a long-lasting impact on physical and mental development8. Therefore, proper nutrient intake is important to lower morbidity and mortality, reducing the risk of chronic disease throughout their life span, and promoting regular mental and physical development1,8.
Fuel Up on Macronutrients
Carbohydrates are necessary for babies as it serves as a primary energy source to fuel body activities while protein is needed for other essential body functions such as building and repairing tissues7. Fat provides essential fatty acids such as ALA (Alpha Linoleic acid) and LA (Linoleic Acid) that is required for normal brain and eye development, psychomotor and healthy cognitive development4.
Get More Minerals
Iron is a major component of haemoglobin which helps carry oxygen to the brain for it to function. It also supports proper growth of healthy blood cells and prevent iron-deficiency anemia6. Zinc is necessary for cell growth and immune functions1. Zinc deficiency can affect babies’ growth and may also reduce resistance to infections1.
Calcium plays an important role in the development of bone mass6. In the first 6 months of life, the adequate intake for Calcium is 210mg/day while for 6–12 -month-olds, the adequate intake is 280 mg/day2,7. Phosphorus is also essential for healthy bones in babies and supports proper growth and development3. When a baby is born preterm, bone fractures and poor growth can occur if they do not receive enough calcium and phosphorus3. Sodium is required to maintain the water balance in a baby’s body and ensure proper functioning of cell membranes and other body tissues, while iodine is essential for thyroid hormones synthesis and to prevent goiter1,7.
Don’t Forget Vitamins
Babies need vitamins to grow and be healthy as well, especially preterm babies. They need Vitamin A which essential for formation and maintenance of healthy skin, hair, and mucous membranes6. Babies also need Vitamin C to protect against infections, build bones and muscles, and help wounds heal1. Inadequate intake of Vitamin C can lead to scurvy7. Vitamin D on the other hand, is essential for calcium absorption and keeps babies’ bones and teeth healthy3,6. Its deficiency in is associated with rickets and osteopenia of prematurity1. Vitamins E also is needed to protect cells from damage and strengthens the immune system of babies1,7.
In Conclusion
Optimal nutrition with the right balance of various nutrients is essential for babies’ growth and development. At DPO International, we are honoured to be in partnership with Hexagon to bring you a wide range of ingredient choices that will elevate the nutritional quality of your baby food products.
References
1Choge, J. K. (2020). Malnutrition: Current Challenges and Future Perspectives. Malnutrition. 1-25. November 11th, 2020. https://doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.92007
2EFSA. Dietary Reference Values for nutrients Summary report. EFSA Support Publ. 2017.
3Harding, J. E., Wilson, J., & Brown, J. (2017). Calcium and phosphorus supplementation of human milk for preterm infants. The Cochrane database of systematic reviews, 2(2), CD003310. https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD003310.pub2
4Huffman, S. L., Harika, R. K., Eilander, A., & Osendarp, S. J. (2011). Essential fats: how do they affect growth and development of infants and young children in developing countries? A literature reviews. Maternal & Child Nutrition, 7 Suppl 3(Suppl 3), 44–65. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1740-8709.2011.00356.x
5Nurliyana, A. R., Mohd Shariff, Z., Mohd Taib, M. N., Gan, W. Y., & Tan, K. A. (2016). Early nutrition, growth and cognitive development of infants from birth to 2 years in Malaysia: a study protocol. BMC pediatrics, 16(1), 160. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12887-016-0700-0
6Patel, J. K.& Rouster, A. S. (2021). Infant Nutrition Requirements and Options. [Updated 2021 Aug 14]. In: StatPearls. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2022 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK560758/
7Savarino, G., Corsello, A. & Corsello, G. (2021). Macronutrient balance and micronutrient amounts through growth and development. Italian Journal of Pediatrics, 47, 109 https://doi.org/10.1186/s13052-021-01061-0
8WHO. (2021). Infant and young child feeding. World Health Organization. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/infant-and-young-child-feeding
