Micronutrient Deficiencies During The Weaning Period And The First Years Of Life

Throughout the developing world, children are suffering from the severe consequences micronutrient deficiencies have on their healthy development. However, early malnutrition is not a problem confined to that part of the world. It may also affect infants born prematurely, children living in poverty and new immigrants to developed countries. Written by leading investigators and clinicians, this publication begins with a review of the epidemiology of micronutrient deficiencies. Further chapters deal with stable isotope methods in research, new etiological aspects such as the impact of micronutrient interactions, bioavailability and infectious diseases, as well as the effects of socio- and geopolitical factors. Another section focuses on the implications of micronutrient deficiencies and psycho-motor development, immune function and bone growth, with regard also to the economic impact. Finally an update on specific strategies to address micronutrient deficiencies is provided. This publication will be of great assistance to pediatricians, clinical investigators, health workers and nutritionists engaged in the prevention and treatment of micronutrient deficiencies.

In many parts of the world, deficiencies in vitamins, minerals and trace elements during the early months of life have dramatic consequences on the health and development of infants and young children. The nutritional status of the mother greatly influences breast-milk micronutrient levels and hence the nutritional status of the infant. This publication, written by leading investigators and clinicians, offers an up-to-date review of micronutrient requirements and the assessment of micronutrient status of mothers and young infants, followed by the epidemiology and health consequences of micronutrient deficiencies. It also includes different prophylactic and therapeutic approaches, such as the most recent research on both single and multiple micronutrient interventions during pregnancy, lactation and early infancy. This publication will be of great assistance to pediatricians, clinical investigators, health workers and nutritionists engaged in the prevention and treatment of micronutrient deficiencies.

WHO and UNICEF jointly developed this global strategy to focus world attention on the impact that feeding practices have on the nutritional status, growth and development, health, and thus the very survival of infants and young children. The strategy is the result of a comprehensive two-year participatory process. It is based on the evidence of nutrition's significance in the early months and years of life, and of the crucial role that appropriate feeding practices play in achieving optimal health outcomes. The strategy is intended as a guide for action; it identifies interventions with a proven positive impact; it emphasizes providing mothers and families the support they need to carry out their crucial roles, and it explicitly defines the obligations and responsibilities in this regards of governments, international organizations, and other concerned parties.

In many parts of the world, deficiencies in vitamins, minerals and trace elements during the early months of life have dramatic consequences on the health and development of infants and young children. The nutritional status of the mother greatly influences breast-milk micronutrient levels and hence the nutritional status of the infant. This publication, written by leading investigators and clinicians, offers an up-to-date review of micronutrient requirements and the assessment of micronutrient status of mothers and young infants, followed by the epidemiology and health consequences of micronutrient deficiencies. It also includes different prophylactic and therapeutic approaches, such as the most recent research on both single and multiple micronutrient interventions during pregnancy, lactation and early infancy. This publication will be of great assistance to pediatricians, clinical investigators, health workers and nutritionists engaged in the prevention and treatment of micronutrient deficiencies.

Supporting initiation, development and resolution of appropriate immune responses is key to survival. Many nutrients and dietary components have been purported to have a role in supporting optimal immune function. This is vital throughout the life course, from the development and programming of the immune system in early life, to supporting immunity and reducing chronic inflammation in older people. In this special issue of Nutrients, we examine the evidence for the role of diet and dietary components in promoting protective immunity.

Food is the sustenance of life. But while we understand that a secure supply of food has been affected by many factors over the course of history, we do not often allow ourselves to entertain the idea that a lack of adequate food worldwide is a very real and dangerous possibility. While soil degradation, water distribution, climate change, population growth, and environmental issues are of serious concern, the ultimate expectation is that humankind will survive and even prevail simply because it always has, through human ingenuity and continued advances in science and technology. Adequate Food for All: Culture, Science, and Technology of Food in the 21st Century looks at those factors threatening to compromise food production and distribution. It examines the myriad influences on food security today as well as the human responses to them. Taking an interdisciplinary approach that involves authors of diverse expertise, this volume – Discusses our evolving understanding of what is critical to good nutrition and health Examines the role of religion and faith in food choices, as well as the influence of culture and customs Explores issues of obesity and related diseases as well as diseases of nutrient deficiencies Describes the most dangerous threats to sustainable food production Lays out viable solutions through conservation, technology, and cultural adaptation Ultimately, this volume challenges readers to garner a deeper understanding needed to develop solutions that truly change the future rather than postpone the inevitable. Recognition of food as a universal need of people everywhere may be a point of union for the human spirit. The future holds opportunities and imperatives that must be faced, perhaps none more important than how we come together to keep the world fed. Adequate Food for All: Culture, Science, and Technology of Food in the 21st Century covers many of the issues involved in meeting this goal.

The book highlights intricate predisposing factors for pathogenesis of nutritional anemia. It delivers valuable information related to this public health hazard influencing the nutritional health of preschool children. The book is valuable for readers in diverse fields to gain insight of the concept of nutritional anemia in preschool children. Additionally, book furnishes clinical and laboratory methods in a comparative way to assess nutritional anemia. Impact of the disorder on health of preschool children has been covered in a simple language. The book mentions need for interventional strategies for the management of nutritional anemia. Infants, preschool children and women during pregnancy and lactation are highly susceptible to dietary deficiency of iron, folic acid and cyanocobalamin leading to comparatively, higher predisposition to development of nutritional anemia. The condition has myriad of ill effects on nutritional health of preschool children.