The Nutrition of mothers, infants, and children
1982
Sabin, E.P.
Protein-energy malnutrition (PEM), its causes, and the greater nutritional demands of pregnancy, lactation and early childhood are discussed. Factors relative to socioeconomic influences associated with developing nations are reviewed. Breastfed infants in many African countries and other regions show weight and height gains equivalent to well-nourished children until about 6 months of age, after which most children fall behind in height and weight growth. Further, contrary to earlier thought, the quality of milk of malnourished mothers has been found to be diminished in vitamins, fat and protein. Children under 1-year-old require 51 calories/pound body weight/day, compared with a need o f 21 calories/pound/day for moderately active adults. When family food is deficient, small children and pregnant or lactating mothers are the first to show signs of malnutrition. Parasites and infectious disease (especially those associated with diarrhea) further enchance PEM. Lack of knowledge of the best nutritional ways to use local foods, coupled with food and nutrition misconceptions hinder reductions in malnutrition incidence for pregnant and lacatating mothers and young children; hence, a real need exists for enhanced nutrition education and intervention. (wz)
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