ARS | Publication request: Nutritional requirements

Submitted to: Book Chapter
Publication Type: Book / Chapter
Publication Acceptance Date: October 20, 2003
Publication Date: May 1, 2004
Citation: Heird, W.C. 2004. Nutritional requirements. In: Behrman, R.E., Kleigman, R. M., Jenson, H. B., editors. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 17th edition. Philadelphia, PA: W.B. Sanders. p. 153-157.

Technical Abstract: The dramatic growth of infants during the first year of life (e.g., a 3-fold increase in weight and a 2-fold increase in length) and continued growth, albeit at lower rates, from a year of age through adolescence impose unique nutritional needs. Moreover, these needs for growth are superimposed on relatively high maintenance needs incident to the higher metabolic and nutrient turnover rates of infants and children vs. adults. Further, because the rapid rates of growth are accompanied by marked developmental changes in organ function and composition, failure to provide adequate nutrients during this time is likely to have adverse effects on development as well as growth. Unfortunately, provision of these special nutrient needs, particularly during early life, is complicated by the young infant's lack of teeth and immature digestive and metabolic processes.