3.4.2  Increased need for nutrients

Energy

While most adults require 25–30 calories per kg, a 4 kg infant requires more than 100 kilocalories per kg (430 calories/day). Infants of four to six months who weigh 6 kg require roughly 82 kilocalories per kg (490 calories/day). Energy needs remain high through the early formative years. Children of one to three years require approximately 83 kilocalories per kg (990 calories/day). Energy requirements decline thereafter and are based on weight, height, and physical activity.

As an energy source, breastmilk offers significant advantages over manufactured formula milk. Breastfeeding is associated with reduced risk for obesity, a wide range of allergies, hypertension, and type 1 diabetes. It is also linked with improved cognitive development; and with decreased incidence and severity of infections. It is also less costly than formula feeding. The list below outlines the nutrients and other constituents of breastmilk:

  • Water = 87–89%
  • Vitamins (particularly vitamin A)
  • Fat = 3–5%
  • Energy = 60–70 kcal/100 ml
  • Carbohydrate (lactose) = 6.9–7.2%
  • Mineral = 0.2%
  • Protein = 0.8–0.9%

Higher intakes of protein and energy for growth are recommended for adolescents. For most micronutrients, recommendations are the same as for adults. Exceptions are made for certain minerals needed for bone growth (e.g. calcium and phosphorus). Evidence is clear that bone calcium accretion increases as a result of exercise rather than from increases in calcium intake. Since weight gain often begins during adolescence and young adulthood, young people must establish healthy eating and lifestyle habits that reduce the risk for chronic disease later in life.

Water

Infants and children need plenty of water to drink, particularly when ill, or exposed to extreme temperatures.

Total water requirements (from beverages and foods) are also higher in infants and children than for adults. Children have a larger body surface area per unit of body weight and a reduced capacity for sweating when compared with adults, and therefore are at greater risk of morbidity and mortality from dehydration. Parents may underestimate these fluid needs, especially if infants and children are experiencing fever, diarrhoea or exposure to very cold or very hot temperatures.

Essential fatty acids

Requirements for fatty acids or fats on a per kilogram basis are higher in infants than adults (see Box 3.4). Some fatty acids play a key role in the central nervous system. However infants and children should not ingest large amounts of foods that contain predominantly fats, so it is important to get the balance right.

Box 3.4  Increased nutrients required during infancy, childhood and adolescence

Infancy and childhood

Increased requirements of energy, protein, essential fatty acids, calcium and phosphorus.

Adolescence

Increased requirements of energy, protein, calcium, phosphorus and zinc.

3.4.1  Adolescent growth spurt

3.5  Nutritional requirements during adulthood