Impact of development of the gastrointestinal tract on infant feeding
1983
Lebenthal, Emanuel | Lee, P.C. | Heitlinger, Leo A.
A detailed literature review describes the effect of fetal gut development on the digestibility and absorption of specific nutrient categories (i.e., protein, lipid, carbohydrate, minerals, and vitamins). The developmental pattern of the fetal gastrointestinal tract under optimal conditions (i.e., low-risk pregnancy, normal labor, full-term delivery) is discussed. Morphological and functional (biochemical) development of the fetal gut tissues are not concurrent. Malnutrition during pre- and post-natal periods may restrict development. Dietary modifications may affect intestinal and pancreatic enzyme development patterns, and drug and hormone therapy during pregnancy and early infancy also can cause developmental defects. Present knowledge suggests that, in the case of intolerance or breast milk unavailability, feeding should be individualized. (wz)
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