Infant Self-Balanced Diet Research

at the age of 4–7 months have a more rapid acceptance of new foods than those who are introduced to new foods after 12 months. A renowned pediatrician, Clara Davis, conducted many studies on infant self-selection of foods. Her studies demonstrate that older infants are capable of selecting a well-balanced diet. However, these results are susceptible to misinterpretation.
Food preferences are largely learned, but there is some evidence of genetic predisposition to sweet tastes and away from bitter tastes.11 Also, parents and caregivers should be sensitive to the needs of their infants. An infant’s refusal to eat may be a need for attention or a complaint against a discomfort rather tha n a message of dislike for that food.
When and how quickly
The alternative to breastmilk is infant formula, and in the United States, most infant formulas have a base of modified cow’s milk or soy protein, supplemented with various nutrients required to meet federal regulations.
Specific intake guidelines for infants are research-based. Research enables various governmental and nongovernmental organizations to create comprehensive recommendations that provide for the overall health of most infants.
The typical infant needs more energy per pound of body weight during this stage of life compared with any other time. Relative to size, an infant’s energy needs are twice those of an adult. Total energy intake is based on the weight of the infant in kilograms (kg), creating a broad range of energy requirements for infants; however, most newborns require about 100 kilocalories per kilogram of body weight.12 Table 6.3 provides equations for calculating infants’ Estimated Energy Requirements
Fatty acids such as DHA and ARA contribute to infant development in a variety of ways, most notably infant growth, brain and retinal development, immune function, and health.15 DHA and ARA are naturally occurring in breastmilk and are commonly added to infant formula. Protein
Protein needs are determined as grams per kilogram of body weight and change with infant growth and development. Table 6.4 provides protein recommendations for infants 0 to 12 months of age.16
Body metabolism is fueled by glucose, a major component of carbohydrates. Glucose is ready energy that infants use for growth, activity, and necessary bodily functions. When glucose is limited owing to infrequent feedings or other factors, a child’s growth is limited by the amount of glucose the body is lacking. In a state of glucose depletion, the infant body uses amino acids as energy to maintain critical body processes. At the onset of need, the body first uses the amino acids circulating in the blood for glucose production; after this source is depleted, the body begins to break down protein in muscle to produce needed energy. Ongoing breakdown of protein may cause growth stunting because fats and proteins are being used for energy instead of as building blocks for new growth and