Babies are human beings who may be referred to as growth machines. This is because their development takes place rapidly. For instance, during their first year, babies normally increase their birth weight by up to 50 percent. Consequently, to do that, there is a need to ensure that the quality of the nutrients that the children get is aligned with the nutrients needs of the children. Essentially, food takes a critical role in the development of children (1,2). Children normally start with breast milk. This serves to provide a head start for healthy development. As the baby develops, solid foods are introduced with time. Nutrient needs for infants
The rapid growth and development in children bring to the fore the need for high energy, proteins, vitamins, and minerals which are crucial for growth. In this case, human milk and commercially produced formula which is designed to meet this need are important. Nevertheless, infants may still be at risk for iron, vitamin D, and vitamin K deficiencies and suboptimal levels of fluoride (2). It is worth taking note of the fact due to the health and nutritional benefits that breast milk has, breastfeeding is usually highly recommended for children Child development experts have gone on record to recommend that babies who have just been born should not be breastfed for less than six months exclusively. This should go hand in hand with complementary foods for at least one year.
As the children develop, they continue to consume other foods. This in turn leads to reduced demand for milk in their system. Whether children are breastfed or formula fed, young infants should be fed frequently, on-demand (1,3). For breastfed infants, feeding should last approximately 10 to 15 minutes at each breast. Bottle-fed newborns may consume only a few ounces at each feeding as the infant grows, the amount consumed will increase to 4 to 8 ounces. A well-fed newborn, whether breastfed or bottle fed, should urinate enough to soak six to eight diapers a day and grain about 0.15 to 0.23 kg per week. Nutrients in breast milk and formula
The composition of human milk is usually in such a manner that it consists of the needs of human infants. The composition of this milk changes as the infant continues to grow to meet the precise demands of the infant. The first milk which is produced when the infant is born is known as colostrums. This milk is usually produced by the breast for up to a week after delivery. This milk has great beneficial consequences on the gastrointestinal tract acting as a laxative that helps the baby excrete the thick, mucousy stool produced during the infant’s life in the womb. Colostrums contain the nutrients that the baby needs until they mature milk production begins (4).
Mature breast milk is composed of all the necessary and adequate nutrients which will ensure that child development is not hindered. Various formulas which are given to the baby try to replicate human milk as closely as possible to match the growth, nutrient absorption, and other benefits which are associated with breastfeeding (5). The breastfeeding formula
Despite the benefits of breast milk, formulas may be the best option in some cases. Feeding an infant with formula requires longer preparation as compared to breastfeeding. It is important to take note of the fact that formula normally gives the mother a break from the normal schedules. Furthermore, for preterm infants and those babies who have abnormalities, the formula may be the best option because there are special formulas to meet these infants’ unique needs. In such cases, if an infant is too weak to take a bottle then the formula can be fed through a tube (6,7). The Milk formula: Long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids
The long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids docosahexaenoic acid and arachidonic acid are usually formed from the fatty acids precursors alpha-linolenic acid and linoleic acids respectively. These acids form an essential element that is needed by babies for healthy survival (8,9). Though they are crucial for the survival of human beings and babies in general, they cannot be synthesized by human beings. DHA and AA are considered to be major functional LCPUFA during human ontogeny. The diet which parents and babies have is crucial especially based on the fact that it contains fatty acids that contain ALA and LA which are used in the processes that involve elongation and desaturation.
Essentially, newborn infants are usually incapable of carrying out the conversion process. However, the functional enzymes which are supported by systems that are involved at times seem not to be able to supply enough LCPUFA which can meet the requirements which can last until 16 weeks. This means that the stage of early child development relies on the LCUFA which is largely constituted in the dietary intake associated with DHA and AA (5). Thus the child has to be dependent on the LCPUFA which is found in milk. It is worth noting that breast milk contains LCPUFA which heavily relies on maternal consumption. However, standard commercially available formulas do not necessarily contain these fatty acids.
LCPUFA plays a role when it comes to growth and development. This concept has been based on the analyses which have been carried out in studies that have revealed that deficiency in these fats often leads to growth retardation (10). Furthermore, it has been observed that LCPUFA is abundant in the brain and the retina of a human being. This has led to the conclusion that LCPUFA may have a beneficial effect on the development and functioning of the brain.
It also has positive effects when it comes to the subject of visual development (4,3). In essence, it is worth mentioning the fact that preterm babies who have abnormalities regarding their cognitive abilities rely on the external sources of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids which play a crucial role in the development of the language and cognitive processes (8). Studies have also revealed that preterm babies who have been fed on milk formulas that contain long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids have developed enhanced acuity and cognitive ability (1,6). This implies that the use of milk which has this nature is crucial to babies. Conclusion
In conclusion, milk which contains long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids presents a case for the development of infants. This especially applies to infants who are born before the term. Studies have revealed that infants who have been born and been given this formula have a greater chance of quality life.
Thus, parents should ensure that they give their babies the right formula. In essence, this formula has been associated with positive effects since it has been discovered that PUFAs form an important constituent of the cell membranes within the body tissues. This determines the biological properties of various cell membranes which in turn are involved in the processing of various messages by the cell (8). Lastly, this gives a clear indication that there exists a close interaction between various growth factors and cell proliferation which gives the impression that milk that contains this formula has an important role to play. This is especially so in the case of receptor function, cellular regulation, and growth (2).
Reference List
- Agostoni C. Role of Long-chain Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids in the First Year of Life. Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology & Nutrition. 2008; 47(10): p. 41-44.
- Clandinin MT, Van Aerde JE, Merkel KL. Growth and development of preterm infants fed infant formulas containing docosahexaenoic acid and arachidonic acid. Journal of Pediatrics. 2005; 146(4): p. 461–468.
- Andrea Lo JS, Nada D, Carol W, Gideon K. The Effects of Maternal Supplementation of Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids on Visual, Neurobehavioural, and Developmental Outcomes of the Child: A Systematic Review of the Randomized Trials. Obstetrics and Gynecology International. 2012;(10).
- Dubnov-Raz G, Finkelstein Y, Koren G. ω-3 fatty acid supplementation during pregnancy: for mother, baby, or neither? Canadian Family Physician. 2007; 53(5): p. 817–818.
- Koletzko B. Early Nutrition and Its Later Consequences:New Opportunities : Perinatal Programming of Adult Health – EC Supported Research. illustrated ed. Koletzko B, editor. New York: Springer; 2005.
- Grosvenor MB, Smolin LA. Visualizing Nutrition: Everyday Choices. illustrated ed. New York: John Wiley & Sons; 2009.
- Lenassi E, Likar K, Stirn-Kranjc B, Brecelj J. VEP maturation and visual acuity in infants and preschool children. Documenta Ophthalmologica. 2008; 117(2): p. 111–120.
- Yung-Sheng H, Sinclair A. Lipids in Infant Nutrition. illustrated ed. Yung-Sheng H, Sinclair A, editors. New York: The American Oil Chemists Society; 1998.
- Smithers LG, Robert AG, McPhee A, Maria M. Effect of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid supplementation of preterm infants on disease risk and neurodevelopment: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. 2008; 87(4): p. 912-920.
- Undurti ND. A Perinatal Strategy for Preventing Adult Disease:The Role of Long-Chain Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids. illustrated ed. Undurti ND, editor. New York: Springer; 2002.