This book is a comprehensive account of nutrition in the infant, written by a team of international experts. It is divided into a number of sections (i) assessments, incidence and diagnosis of nutritional disorders; (ii) enteral and parenteral nutrition; (iii) micro- and macro-nutrients; (iv) diet and support in disease; (v) developmental, theoretical and educational aspects; and each chapter is divided into key areas for ease of quick reference. A unique feature of the book is a series of summary tables which identify treatment regimens, formulations, doses and step-by-step practical guidelines.

Eighteen articles present the latest research, covering topics connected with infant nutrition and antioxidants, cholesterol, triglycerides, and the effect of diet. A sampling of article topics: possible roles of maternal and perinatal long-chain fatty acids in preterm birth; enzymes in human milk; role of gangliosides in infant nutrition; and early diet influences on hepatic lipogenesis. Annotation copyrighted by Book News, Inc., Portland, OR

The field of infant nutrition and feeding has been a long-standing and permanent concern within the field of child health, given the crucial role it plays in the current and future health and development of individuals. Although optimal feeding practices are recognized to achieve greater well-being, growth, and child health, differences and gaps still persist. This book covers a variety of crucial topics related to infant nutrition and feeding, which have been grouped into four sections. The book comprises 16 chapters that address pertinent issues on infant feeding. It places a strong emphasis on the process of breastfeeding and human milk intake, while also acknowledging the challenges and necessity for coverage in the case of infant formula intake. Additionally, it provides an overview of feeding patterns and interventions to enhance nutritional outcomes in young children. The book aims to contribute to the clinical work of health professionals tasked with addressing the infant nutrition and feeding needs of children in various settings and circumstances.

Few people doubt that the mother's milk provides the best food for the full-terrn infant during the first few months of life, when the digestive, absorptive and excretory systems are relatively immature. The develop ment of the digestive enzymes is detailed in Chapter 4. The significance of this immaturity first emerged as a consequence of the pioneering work of Professor Robert McCance and Dr Elsie Widdowson in human nutrition, when they studied the electrolyte and nitrogen excretion of babies and young animals. To quote Professor McCance, 'Inefficient though the kidneys were by adult standards, they were capable ofmaintaining homeo stasis, provided the infant and animals were growing while being fed on food of exactly the right composition - that is, the milk of the mother. ' (Ashwell, 1993). One should not forget that although the mother protects the developing baby against much nutritional abuse, the baby may be still be affected by matemal nutrition, and this is discussed in Chapter 2. The superior qualities of breast milk are still recognized, and research continues to discover yet more factors in breast milk significant to the health of the baby for possible inclusion in formulas. The immature stage of development ofthe baby means that while enough nutrients for optimal growth of all tissues are required, excessive quantities may cause intoxica tion. Tight specifications are essential, since unlike the adult the newbom depends on a single food.

Protein plays a vital role in growth and development and is able to 'program' healthy growth by influencing gene methylation for positive long-term health outcomes. The understanding of these mechanisms is critical to support and improve the health of future generations in both the short and long term.The first part of this book reviews the role of hydrolyzed proteins in infant feeding and the evidence-based benefits of their use in non-breastfed infants at risk of allergy and in infants with functional gastrointestinal disorders. The second part focuses on human milk and its potential alternatives in the feeding of healthy term infants. The final section is dedicated to preterm infants, their nutrition needs, and physiological capacities to ingest adequate amounts of protein for appropriate growth and development. Presenting the latest scientific findings on protein in early nutrition, this publication provides essential reading for pediatricians and researchers alike.