Protein requirements, infant

Protein requirements, infant
Proteins contain different amino acids that are linked together. Proteins provide both calories and the amino acid building blocks that are necessary for proper growth. The protein in human milk provides between 10%-15% of an infant's daily caloric need. Casein and whey are the two major proteins of human milk and most milk-based formulas. (Immunoglobulins, a type of protein unique to breast milk, provide infection-fighting immunity, are not efficiently metabolized, and are therefore not considered as a nutritional source.) While manufacturers may vary slightly in the relative proportion of these two proteins, healthy babies generally thrive on any milk-based formula brand. Some 0.5%-7.5% of infants have a true allergy to the cow proteins that are in milk-based formulas. Infants with true cow milk allergy can develop abdominal pain, diarrhea, rectal bleeding, skin rash, and wheezing when given milk-based formulas. These symptoms will disappear as soon milk-based formula is removed from the diet. (Allergy to cow milk protein is different from lactose intolerance). Treatment of cow milk protein allergy involves using formulas that contain no cow milk, or using formulas that contain "predigested" casein and whey proteins. The predigesting process breaks the whole proteins into smaller pieces or into amino acids. The amino acids and smaller protein pieces are non-allergenic (do not cause allergy). Soy protein formulas contain no cow milk, and are reasonable alternatives for infants with true cow milk allergy. Since most soy-protein formulas also contain no lactose, they are also suitable for infants with lactose intolerance. The carbohydrates in soy-protein formulas are sucrose, corn syrup solids, and cornstarch or glucose polymers. Certain infants have allergy to both cow milk proteins and soy proteins. These infants require a formula in which the cow milk protein (casein) has been "predigested" and specific amino acids added to provide a formula that can provide proper nutrition. The decision to utilize one of these specialized formulas should be made in consultation with the infant's pediatrician.

Medical dictionary. 2011.

Игры ⚽ Поможем написать курсовую

Look at other dictionaries:

  • Infant protein requirements — Proteins contain different amino acids that are linked together. Proteins provide both calories and the amino acid building blocks that are necessary for proper growth. The protein in human milk provides between 10% 15% of an infant s daily… …   Medical dictionary

  • Mineral requirements, infant — Minerals (calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, iron, iodine, copper and zinc) and trace elements (manganese, chromium, selenium, and molybdenum) are included in most infant formulas. Therefore, there is no evidence that mineral supplementation are… …   Medical dictionary

  • Protein (nutrient) — This article is about protein as a nutrient. For protein as a class of molecule, see protein. For other uses, see bodybuilding supplement. Amino acids are the building blocks of protein. Proteins are polymer chains made of amino acids linked… …   Wikipedia

  • Infant mineral requirements — Minerals (calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, iron, iodine, copper and zinc) and trace elements (manganese, chromium, selenium, and molybdenum) are included in most infant formulas. Therefore, there is no evidence that mineral supplementation are… …   Medical dictionary

  • Soy protein — is generally regarded as the storage protein held in discrete particles called protein bodies which are estimated to contain at least 60–70% of the total soybean protein. Upon germination of the soybean, the protein will be digested and the… …   Wikipedia

  • nutrition, human — Introduction       process by which substances in food are transformed into body tissues and provide energy for the full range of physical and mental activities that make up human life.   The study of human nutrition is interdisciplinary in… …   Universalium

  • nutritional disease — Introduction       any of the nutrient related diseases and conditions that cause illness in humans. They may include deficiencies or excesses in the diet, obesity and eating disorders, and chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease,… …   Universalium

  • Copper in health — Normal absorption and distribution of copper. Cu = copper, CP = ceruloplasmin, green = ATP7B carrying copper. Copper is an essential trace element that is vital to the health of all living things (humans, plants, animals, and microorganisms). In… …   Wikipedia

  • childhood disease and disorder — Introduction       any illness, impairment, or abnormal condition that affects primarily infants and children i.e., those in the age span that begins with the fetus and extends through adolescence.       Childhood is a period typified by change,… …   Universalium

  • pregnancy — /preg neuhn see/, n., pl. pregnancies. the state, condition, or quality of being pregnant. [1520 30; PREGN(ANT) + ANCY] * * * Process of human gestation that takes place in the female s body as a fetus develops, from fertilization to birth (see… …   Universalium

Share the article and excerpts

Direct link
Do a right-click on the link above
and select “Copy Link”