Early Childhood Nutrition, Research Paper Example

While the self-evident nature of the importance of childhood nutrition is within view, recent scientific has shed more light on the subject. Not only are the proper steps towards nutrition known, but the effect of improper and proper nutrition on young children. The present analysis will take a look at the negative and positive effects of nutrition, in order to see how proper nutrition can shape young children from birth to the age of five, in particular. There is a wide body of acceptable evidence that nutrition can lead to improved health and performance, and the knowledge on these vital topics is growing.

Malnourishment and Deficiencies

The implications of improper nutrition can be startling. Not only can improper nutrition lead to heart disease, high blood pressure, and other conditions that can affect individuals, but there are serious consequences that stem from improper nutrition for young children. If they don’t receive the vital nutrients that are needed, some dangerous results can be seen which can have long-term effects on the child.

One example of this is found in iron-deficiency anemia. Very early studies, such as the one carried out by Smith and Rosello (1953), have made society aware of the dangers of iron-deficiency anemia, which can be particularly consequential for infants (as compared to adults). Smith and Rosello noted, in their summary, that one of the three causes was “the common occurrence of ‘feeding problems’ in late infancy and early childhood” (1953). It is interesting to see the stress that is placed on proper nutrition at an early time.

Today, though, knowledge has certainly improved. With the topic of iron-deficiency anemia, researchers are now aware that iron supplementation can have a substantial impact. Jukes (2006) notes a study in Indonesia that demonstrated “impressive gains” in infant development, when iron supplements were given to those in low-income countries. After four months, the group had similar developmental levels to those who were not originally iron deficient (2006).

The value of supplements in children can be seen in other examples. One study from Caulfield, Himes, and Rivera (1995) looked at the value of supplements for mild to malnourished children in relationship to bone density. A conclusive statement certainly shed light on the impact that supplements can have: “… the results provide important evidence that participation in nutritional supplementation programs can have demonstrable long-term nutritional benefits on bone mineralization for mild to moderately malnourished children” (1995). Certainly supplements can help battle devastating possibilities, in regards to conditions relating to malnutrition.

Looking at possible malnourishment and deficiencies that can approach a child, the use of dietary supplement is not common. Picciano (2007) reported a prevalence rate of 30% of children, with a 12% rate for those under the age of 12 months and 38% rate for those between one and three years of age. It was noted that “… when supplements were categorized based on ingredients, 18.3% said they used multivitamin and multimineral supplements” (2007). While supplements are certainly not new, it is clear that they have become typical in the battle against possible deficiencies and items that may lead to malnourishment. Today supplement regiments can vary widely and integrate a number of issues, such as a warning sign that may be noticed with regard to a vitamin.

Emphasizing Proper Nutrition – Past and Present

In the wake of many deficiencies and malnourishments that still plague parts of the world, it is no surprise that proper nutritional guidelines are an emphasis for early children. The research has certainly played in a role of shaping current standards. Today, much more is known about proper nutrition, which is playing a pivotal role in nutrition consciousness for young children.

According to a study, the value of nutrition goes above and beyond mere health concerns. In fact, it can lead to increased productivity later in life, according to a study (International Food Policy Research Institute, 2008). Economic productivity was a focus of the study, which revealed 46% higher earnings when receiving a supplement known as atole in the first two years of their life (2008). When received for the first three years, the number was 37% wages on average. Finally, those that received it after age three saw no economic benefits (2008).

The study drew a notable conclusion. According to Reynaldo Martorell, Woodruff Professor of International Nutrition at Emory University, it directs the value of nutrition at a certain age point: “The study confirms that the first two years of life are the window of opportunity when nutrition programs have an enormous impact on a child’s development, with life-long benefits” (2008). Leaders of the study cited benefits in a “child’s health, growth, and mental and physical development” from these and other studies covered by the International Food Policy Research’s report (2008).

One result of the increased awareness regarding healthy nutrition is the benefit it can have in underdeveloped countries. As certain conditions are still prevalent around the world, the focus on initiatives and mechanisms to improve early childhood nutrition are vital. For instance, the World Health Organization estimates that 350,000 (~70%) of new blindness, or partial blindness cases, are caused by vitamin A deficiency (Jukes, 2006). Also contributing to childhood disability, with increasing the risk of measles and other infections that can lead to long-term disability, it is incredibly important to give attention to this deficiency alone (2006). The role of proper nutrition obviously plays an important role in battling important items, such as vitamin A deficiency and many others.

While it may seem like an “outside” problem, improper nutrition can plague children in the United States. Thus, the research and integration of supplements and healthy nutrition standards is also importantly found in the U.S. Tending to the needs of lower-income families as well as higher-income families, programs, initiatives, and awareness of many issues are allowing early childhood nutrition needs to be better met.

Today there are plenty of ways that this can be seen. One particular reference can be made to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), which has made strides in helping families become aware of healthy habits. From daily food plans, sample meal patterns, and the children’s equivalent to MyPlate, which has replaced the food guide pyramid from the USDA, advice is within easy reach of parents.

Discussion

In the information age, it is incredibly easy to see the difference in nutritional emphasis. Studies and helpful advice is within grasp of anyone with an Internet connect. While this is a simplistic view, it is interesting to consider the benefits of the access of this type of information. For new parents looking for tips on nutrition, the ability to receive this type of information readily and easily is an important step.

Perhaps the real difference is knowledge. As the current analysis examined in brief, there are several areas which have been drawn upon for the advancement of knowledge in this field. As a result, figures in the health and education fields are better prepared to identify and treat certain warning signs. Parents and the general public, as a whole, is more aware of the value of proper nutrition. Without a doubt, research has come a long way in identifying possible problems and their solutions.

As a result, times have changed. Today a vitamin deficiency can be readily acknowledged and countered. Meal plans can help parents navigate the waters of picky eaters. From a simple to a more severe situation, individuals are better able to handle the needs of nutrition. Of course, this is something that extends to adults as well as children.

Conclusion

The studies and information revealed in this analysis certainly demonstrate a change. The information in the field of early childhood nutrition has advanced, with much more known regarding dangerous conditions, the value and role of supplements, and, of course, that of proper nutrition. It has been argued, as well as proven by way of studies and statistics, that the benefits of proper early childhood nutrition extend further than that of physical health.

Thus, it is clearly visible that proper nutrition for young children has come a long way. Today there are many ways for parents to receive advice and cutting-edge tests to determine if anything is wrong. There is also a number of valuable choices to feed a young child, such as if breastfeeding isn’t an option or a picky young eater is causing practical problems.

Overall, proper nutrition has become a well-deserved focal point. For young children, parents must take such a topic with extreme seriousness. After all, much is known about the dangers that can lurk if care is not taken. Proper nutrition continues to be the focus of many initiatives, studies, and even displayed by the media to help parents.

References

Caulfield L. E., Himes J. H. & Rivera, J. A. (1995). Nutrition Supplementation During Early Childhood and Bone Mineralization During Adolescence. The Journal of Nutrition, 125 (4), 1104S-1110S.

International Food Policy Research Institute (2008). Better Childhood Nutrition Increases Productivity. Retrieved from http://www.ifpri.org/pressrelease/better-childhood-nutrition-increases-productivity

Jukes, Matthew (2006). Early Childhood Health, Nutrition and Education. United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. Retrieved from http://unesdoc.unesco.org/images/0014/001474/147468e.pdf

Picciano, M. F., Dwyer, J. T., Radimer, K. L., Wilson, D. H., Fisher, K. D., Thomas, P. R., et al. (2007). Dietary Supplement Use Among Infants, Children, and Adolescents in the United States, 1999-2002. Archives of Pediatric Adolescent Medicine, 161, 978-985.

Smith, N. J. & Rosello S. (1953). Iron Deficiency in Infancy and Childhood. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 1, 275-286.

United States Department of Agriculture (n.d.). Health and Nutrition Information for Preschoolers. Retrieved from http://www.choosemyplate.gov/preschoolers.html