Pediatricians need to be knowledgeable about proper nutritional practices for children. This includes breastfeeding and formula feeding, introducing solid foods, and addressing specific dietary needs.
Macronutrients: Carbohydrates, proteins and fats are essential nutrients that provide energy to the body and have different roles in the growth and development of children.
Micronutrients: Vitamins and minerals are vital for maintaining a healthy body, and deficiencies in these micronutrients can lead to several health problems, including developmental disorders.
Breastfeeding and formula feeding: The importance of breastfeeding and the different types of formula milk that are available.
Infant nutrition: The introduction of solid foods, the timing, and type of solid foods, as well as determining when to move from purees to finger foods.
Growth and development: What are the expected changes in height and weight for infants, toddlers, and children?. And how nutrition can support proper growth.
Food allergies and intolerances: Understanding what food allergies and intolerances are and how they are managed.
Nutritional requirements for specific populations: Newborns, toddlers and school-aged children all have different nutritional requirements. Understanding the unique needs of each population can help in creating a balanced diet.
Special diets for medical conditions: Some medical conditions require special diets, such as diabetes, celiac disease, and gastrointestinal disorders.
Obesity: Understanding how poor nutrition can lead to obesity in children and strategies to help prevent and manage obesity.
Healthy eating habits and meal planning: Teaching children healthy eating habits and how to plan meals that include a variety of nutrients to support their growth and development.
Genetics and nutrition: The impact of genetics on a child's nutritional needs and how to provide appropriate nutrition for children with genetic disorders.
Nutritional assessment and screening: The different methods used to evaluate a child's nutritional status and identify any nutritional deficiencies that need addressing.
Food safety: Ensuring food safety when handling and preparing food, especially for infants and young children, is an essential aspect of pediatric nutrition.
Breastfeeding Nutrition: Breast milk is the most nutritious food for infants, containing all the necessary nutrition for the first six months of life.
Formula-fed Nutrition: A liquid food that contains combination of cow's milk, soy or other ingredients, which is fortified with vitamins, minerals and other nutrients that are necessary for an infant’s growth.
Toddler Nutrition: Nutritional recommendations for toddlers vary with age, but generally involve a balanced diet that includes fruits, vegetables, grains, protein, and dairy.
Vegetarian Nutrition: A diet that excludes meat, fish, and poultry, but includes plant-based proteins such as beans, lentils, nuts, and seeds. Careful attention must be paid to ensure that all essential nutrients are present in the diet.
Vegan Nutrition: Similar to vegetarian nutrition, but excludes all animal products, including dairy, eggs, and honey. Vegans must also pay careful attention to ensure all essential nutrients are present in the diet.
Gluten-free Nutrition: A diet that excludes gluten: A protein found in wheat, barley and rye - for individuals with celiac disease or gluten intolerance.
Kosher Nutrition: A diet that follows Jewish dietary laws, including certain restrictions on animal products and food preparation.
Low FODMAP Nutrition: A diet recommended for individuals with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), which involves limiting certain types of carbohydrates that can cause digestive discomfort.
Food Allergy Management: A dietary approach aimed at identifying and eliminating foods that trigger an immune response in children with food allergies.
Enteral Nutrition: Feeding via a tube, either through the nose, mouth, or stomach, for children who have difficulty eating or absorbing nutrients.
Parenteral Nutrition: Giving nutrients directly into the child’s bloodstream through a vein, for children who are unable to tolerate enteral feeding.