Elisabeth Schafer
Professor
Food Science and Human Nutrition
Iowa State University
Copyright/Access Information
It's great to increase fiber or trim excess cholesterol and saturated
fat from your diet, but don't try to do the same thing for your
baby or young toddler.
A diet low in cholesterol and fat does not provide enough nutrients
and calories needed for proper growth, which is very rapid during
the first two years of life. Dietary guidelines for adults cannot
be applied to children under two years of age.
Medical experts are concerned about the increased number of malnourished
babies in the USA. Although in some cases this is because their
familiescan't afford food, there is a growing problem that many
very conscientious parents are so concerned about eating right
themselves that they are
applying adult dietary recommendations to babies, and the babies
are unable to grow and develop properly.
In order to reduce the risk of cancer, heart disease, and diabetes,
the Dietary Guidelines for Americans suggest a reduction in fat,
saturated fat, cholesterol, sodium, and sugar, moderate use of
alcohol, and an increase in complex carbohydrates and fiber. These
guidelines are not intended for babies.
FORMAT AVAILABLE:: Available only on the
Internet.
DOCUMENT REVIEW::
Level 2 - Iowa State University Extension
DOCUMENT SIZE:: K or pages
ENTRY DATE:: December 1995
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