Nutrition in Infancy

Nutrition in Infancy is a very useful resource for all clinicians treating and preventing nutritional problems in infants. This volume covers a wide range of topics that support wellness in infants through the prevention and treatment of infectious diseases, malnutrition, and developmental and genetic abnormalities. A variety of chapters deal with nutrients for infants with disabilities, surgery, and other special needs. Special emphasis is provided for clinicians treating the millions of children in developing countries whose death is promoted by undernutrition or malnutrition. Clearly in utero and subsequent nutrition affects the developing immune system, which becomes particularly crucial to pediatricians' working with limited resources where nutritional supplementation can be a cost effective therapy. The infant is particularly vulnerable to the effects of malnutrition, with long-term consequences for tissue maturation and intellectual impairment. In addition, malnutrition increases the susceptibility to infections and post-operative recovery is compromised. The use of dietary supplements by mothers has increased greatly in the last decade. Therefore there are chapters that relate to the health benefits of supplementation. There has been a major increase in the amount of scientific research relating to extracts of plants, new as well as those with historic use, in disease treatment of infants. Such reviews and information will greatly aid the physician and other health care personnel. In Nutrition in Infancy, all of these facets of nutrition and nutritional therapy are covered in a precise and practical way. The latest developments in diagnostic procedures and nutritional support are also included. Written by a group of international experts, this volume is an indispensable new reference for clinicians with an interest in the nutrition and health of pregnant mothers and their infants.