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Children
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Infant and Early Childhood Nutrition
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Infant and Early Childhood Nutrition

A special issue of Children (ISSN 2227-9067). This special issue belongs to the section "Global Pediatric Health".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 15 February 2025 | Viewed by 13130

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Maria Elena Capra

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Guest Editor
Pediatrics and Neonatology Unit, Guglielmo da Saliceto Hospital, 29121 Piacenza, Italy
Interests: lipid metabolism; cardiovascular disease prevention; nutrition; childhood metabolic diseases; feeding disorders and nutrition in inborn errors of metabolism; nutrition in premature babies
Dr. Giacomo Biasucci

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Guest Editor
1. Pediatrics and Neonatology Unit, Guglielmo da Saliceto Hospital, 29121 Piacenza, Italy
2. Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, 43126 Parma, Italy
Interests: infant and pediatric nutrition; inborn errors of metabolism; feeding and eating disorders of childhood; pediatric dyslipidemia; pediatric gut microbiota; pediatric food allergy
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

We are pleased to announce a new Special Issue entitled “Infant and Early Childhood Nutrition” in Children, a peer-reviewed scientific journal indexed in the Science Citation Index Expanded (SCIE) and Social Sciences Citation Index (SSCI). The latest released impact factor for this journal is 2.4 (Journal Citation Report, 2022 Edition).

Nutrition is a milestone in the development of infants and children, especially in critical developmental stages such as breastfeeding and complementary feeding. Nutrition is an epigenetic factor that can modify the natural history of numerous non-communicable diseases. Moreover, nutrition in critical development stages can also facilitate taste development and food-related behavior.

This Special Issue welcomes original research articles presenting quantitative or qualitative data, as well as reviews addressing nutritional issues in infancy and early childhood.

Dr. Maria Elena Capra
Dr. Giacomo Biasucci
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Children is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • nutrition
  • infancy
  • early childhood
  • prevention
  • breastfeeding
  • complementary feeding

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Published Papers (9 papers)

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Research

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10 pages, 1417 KiB  
Article
Changes in Protein Levels during the Storage and Warming of Breast Milk in a Domestic Environment
by Penprapa Siviroj, Jetsada Ruangsuriya and Krongporn Ongprasert
Children 2024, 11(9), 1133; https://doi.org/10.3390/children11091133 - 18 Sep 2024
Viewed by 796
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Storage and warming can impact the protein concentration of breast milk (BM). This study aimed to explore the effects of routine BM handling, from storage to warming, on BM protein concentration. Methods: Forty BM samples were collected from 40 mothers [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Storage and warming can impact the protein concentration of breast milk (BM). This study aimed to explore the effects of routine BM handling, from storage to warming, on BM protein concentration. Methods: Forty BM samples were collected from 40 mothers with full-term infants. Fresh BM samples were analyzed within 24 h of expression as a baseline. Additional samples were stored in a refrigerator for up to 4 days and in either a freezer compartment of a refrigerator with a separate door (refrigerator freezers) or a deep freezer for up to 6 months. We compared four warming techniques: rapid thawing in water at 25 °C and 37 °C immediately after freezer removal, and slow thawing in a refrigerator for 12 h, followed by warming in water at 25 °C and 37 °C. The protein concentration was measured using the Lowry method. Results: No significant decrease in BM protein concentration was observed across all storage conditions compared to baseline. BM with a higher protein content benefited more from storage in deep freezers than in refrigerator freezers. Thawing immediately after removal from the freezer at 25 °C preserved significantly higher total protein levels compared to alternative heating techniques. Conclusions: Our findings support the recommendation for mothers to store BM in either type of freezer for up to 6 months. Our results suggest that rapid thawing at 25 °C is the most effective method for preserving protein levels compared to other thawing techniques used in our study. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Infant and Early Childhood Nutrition)
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14 pages, 692 KiB  
Article
Iron and Vitamin A Status of Children Aged 0 to 36 Months in Thulamela Municipality, Vhembe District, South Africa
by Anzani Mugware, Selekane Ananias Motadi, Alphonce Bere and Lindelani Fhumudzani Mushaphi
Children 2024, 11(8), 1018; https://doi.org/10.3390/children11081018 - 20 Aug 2024
Viewed by 798
Abstract
Objective: The present study assessed the iron and Vitamin A status of children aged 0 to 36 months in Thulamela municipality, Vhembe District. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 250 children aged 0 to 36 months attending well-baby clinic services with their [...] Read more.
Objective: The present study assessed the iron and Vitamin A status of children aged 0 to 36 months in Thulamela municipality, Vhembe District. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 250 children aged 0 to 36 months attending well-baby clinic services with their mothers. Convenience sampling was used to select study participants, and simple random sampling was used to choose clinics. Data were gathered via a questionnaire administered by the researcher and field workers from August to September 2019. Standard techniques were used to measure body weight and height. In addition, serum retinol, haemoglobin, iron, ferritin, transferrin saturation, and transferrin levels were also assessed. Information on dietary diversity was gathered through a 24 h dietary recall. Results: The prevalence of underweight, wasting, and stunting was 3.6%, 2%, and 9.2%, respectively. Using serum retinol <10 µg/dL, 22% of children had vitamin A deficiency. The prevalence of anaemia was 53.6%, while 13.1% of children had iron deficiency anaemia when using serum ferritin of less than 12 μg/dL. Most children (90.8%) had an inadequate dietary diversity score, while 9.2% had sufficient dietary diversity. The most consumed food groups were grains, roots and tubers, vitamin A rich fruits and vegetable, and flesh foods. A higher percentage (44%) of children with low iron ferritin were underweight compared to those with normal iron ferritin (df = 1, p-value = 0.007). Conclusion: Iron, anaemia, and vitamin A deficiencies, accompanied by a high prevalence of stunting, were common among children in Thulamela Municipality. Thus, improving nutritional status in this area is a critical need. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Infant and Early Childhood Nutrition)
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10 pages, 644 KiB  
Article
Late Preterm Newborns: Breastfeeding and Complementary Feeding Practices
by Ieva Dijokienė, Raminta Žemaitienė and Dalia Stonienė
Children 2024, 11(4), 401; https://doi.org/10.3390/children11040401 - 28 Mar 2024
Viewed by 1374
Abstract
Background: The aim of this study is to identify factors associated with successful breastfeeding in late preterm infants (LPIs) and explore the initiation of complementary feeding; Methods: Prospective cohort study was conducted of infants born at 34+0 to 36+6 weeks gestational [...] Read more.
Background: The aim of this study is to identify factors associated with successful breastfeeding in late preterm infants (LPIs) and explore the initiation of complementary feeding; Methods: Prospective cohort study was conducted of infants born at 34+0 to 36+6 weeks gestational age in the Hospital of the Lithuanian University of Health Sciences Kaunas Clinics during 2020–2021. Families were followed up until the infants reached 12 months of age. Average breastfeeding initial time, average breastfeeding duration time, prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding and average solid-food feeding initiation time were examined. The correlations among factors that might affect breastfeeding rates were calculated using the chi-square test (p < 0.05); Results: In our study with 222 eligible participants, we observed a statistically significant delay in breastfeeding initiation only in the 34+0+6 gestational age group (p < 0.001). At discharge, the 36+0+6 group exhibited a significantly higher exclusive breastfeeding rate (p < 0.001). Over the first year, breastfeeding rates varied, with no correlation found between duration of exclusive breastfeeding and gestational age. Initial solid-food feeding times were similar across groups, and all infants were introduced to vegetables first; Conclusions: Vaginal delivery, skin-to-skin contact after birth, early rooming-in, and breastfeeding within 2 h after birth statistically significantly causes earlier breastfeeding initiation and longer duration of breastfeeding in LPIs. All infants began solid-food feeding at an average age of 5 months, with vegetables being the primary food choice. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Infant and Early Childhood Nutrition)
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21 pages, 1774 KiB  
Article
Acceptability and Feasibility of Maternal Mental Health Assessment When Managing Small, Nutritionally At-Risk Infants Aged < 6 Months: A Key Informant Interview Study
by Natalie Mee, Mubarek Abera and Marko Kerac
Children 2024, 11(2), 209; https://doi.org/10.3390/children11020209 - 6 Feb 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1829
Abstract
Maternal mental health (MMH) conditions and infant malnutrition are both major global public health concerns. Despite a well-established link between the two, many nutrition programmes do not routinely consider MMH. New World Health Organization (WHO) malnutrition guidelines do, however, emphasise MMH. To inform [...] Read more.
Maternal mental health (MMH) conditions and infant malnutrition are both major global public health concerns. Despite a well-established link between the two, many nutrition programmes do not routinely consider MMH. New World Health Organization (WHO) malnutrition guidelines do, however, emphasise MMH. To inform guideline rollout, we aimed to assess the feasibility and acceptability of MMH assessments in nutrition programmes in low-resource settings. Ten semi-structured interviews were conducted with international key informants who work on nutrition programmes or MMH research. Interview transcripts were coded using subthemes derived from the key points discussed. The benefits and risks were highlighted. These included ethical dilemmas of asking about MMH if local treatment services are suboptimal. Commonly reported challenges included governance, staff training and finance. Community and programme staff perceptions of MMH were primarily negative across the different settings. Many points were raised for improvements and innovations in practice, but fundamental developments were related to governance, care pathways, advocacy, training, funding and using existing community networks. Future implementation research is needed to understand whether assessment is safe/beneficial (as it is in other settings) to promote MMH screening. Current service providers in low-resource settings can undertake several steps, as recommended in this paper, to improve the care offered to mothers and infants. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Infant and Early Childhood Nutrition)
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Review

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22 pages, 6242 KiB  
Review
Noninvasive Tools to Predict Necrotizing Enterocolitis in Infants with Congenital Heart Diseases: A Narrative Review
by Laura Moschino, Silvia Guiducci, Miriam Duci, Leonardo Meggiolaro, Daniel Nardo, Luca Bonadies, Sabrina Salvadori, Giovanna Verlato and Eugenio Baraldi
Children 2024, 11(11), 1343; https://doi.org/10.3390/children11111343 - 31 Oct 2024
Viewed by 476
Abstract
Background: Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is the most frightening gastrointestinal emergency in newborns. Despite being primarily a disease of premature infants, neonates with congenital heart disease (CHD) are at increased risk of development. Acute and chronic hemodynamic changes in this population may lead to [...] Read more.
Background: Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is the most frightening gastrointestinal emergency in newborns. Despite being primarily a disease of premature infants, neonates with congenital heart disease (CHD) are at increased risk of development. Acute and chronic hemodynamic changes in this population may lead to mesenteric circulatory insufficiency. Objectives: In this narrative review, we describe monitoring tools, alone or in multimodal use, that may help in the early recognition of patients with CHD at major risk of NEC development. Methods: We focused on vital parameters, echocardiography, Doppler flowmetry, abdominal near-infrared spectroscopy (aNIRS), and abdominal ultrasound (aUS). Results: The number of studies on this topic is small and includes a wide range of patients’ ages and types of CHD. Peripheral oxygen saturation (SpO2) and certain echocardiographic indices (antegrade and retrograde velocity time integral, cardiac output, etc.) do not seem to differentiate infants with further onset of NEC from those not developing it. Hypotensive events, persistent diastolic flow reversal in the descending aorta, and low mesenteric oxygen saturation (rsSO2) measured by aNIRS appear to occur more frequently in infants who later develop NEC. aUS may be helpful in the diagnosis of cardiac NEC, potentially showing air contrast tracked to the right atrium in the presence of pneumatosis. Conclusions: This narrative review describes the current knowledge on bedside tools for the early prediction of cardiac NEC. Future research needs to further explore the use of easy-to-learn, reproducible instruments to assist patient status and monitor patient trends. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Infant and Early Childhood Nutrition)
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13 pages, 1328 KiB  
Review
The Role of Early Child Nutrition in Pulmonary Hypertension—A Narrative Review
by Alina-Costina Luca, Cristina Stoica, Cosmin Diaconescu, Elena Țarcă, Solange Tamara Roșu, Lăcrămioara Ionela Butnariu, Bogdan Aurelian Stana, Bogdan Gafton, Antoanela Curici, Eduard Vasile Roșu and Dana Elena Mîndru
Children 2024, 11(11), 1307; https://doi.org/10.3390/children11111307 - 29 Oct 2024
Viewed by 512
Abstract
Pulmonary hypertension is a complex condition that has distinct characteristics in pediatric populations. This review explores the important role of early childhood nutrition in the growth, progression, and management of pediatric pulmonary hypertension. Nutritional deficiencies, including those of vitamins C, D, and iron, [...] Read more.
Pulmonary hypertension is a complex condition that has distinct characteristics in pediatric populations. This review explores the important role of early childhood nutrition in the growth, progression, and management of pediatric pulmonary hypertension. Nutritional deficiencies, including those of vitamins C, D, and iron, are closely linked to worse outcomes in children with this disease, emphasizing the importance of early intervention to prevent malnutrition and promote growth. Emerging research revealed that promising nutrients like resveratrol, along with modulation of the gut and respiratory microbiomes, may offer therapeutic advances for managing pulmonary hypertension. However, the current literature is limited by a lack of pediatric-specific studies, with much of the data extrapolated from adult populations and animal models, especially rats. This review highlights the need for targeted research to develop effective nutritional interventions aimed at improving outcomes for pediatric patients. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Infant and Early Childhood Nutrition)
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12 pages, 889 KiB  
Review
The Role of Diet and Physical Activity in Obesity and Overweight in Children with Down Syndrome in Developed Countries
by Paola Belleri, Giorgia Mazzuca, Angelo Pietrobelli, Nicola Zampieri, Giorgio Piacentini, Marco Zaffanello and Luca Pecoraro
Children 2024, 11(9), 1056; https://doi.org/10.3390/children11091056 - 29 Aug 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1409
Abstract
Down’s syndrome (DS), or Trisomy 21, represents the most common chromosomal abnormality in live births, characterized by an extra chromosome 21. Children affected by Down’s syndrome are more susceptible to the development of obesity and of becoming overweight compared with other children. Furthermore, [...] Read more.
Down’s syndrome (DS), or Trisomy 21, represents the most common chromosomal abnormality in live births, characterized by an extra chromosome 21. Children affected by Down’s syndrome are more susceptible to the development of obesity and of becoming overweight compared with other children. Furthermore, they seem to present a more unfavorable lipid profile than the non-DS obese pediatric population. Diet and physical activity are closely related to the development of overweight and obesity, and they can be assessed using questionnaires such as the Mediterranean Diet Quality Index in children and adolescents (KIDMED) and the Godin–Shephard Leisure-Time Physical Activity Questionnaire. This review aims to undertake a comprehensive analysis of the intricate interplay between diet and physical activity in children affected by Down’s syndrome. Specifically, it seeks to deepen understanding regarding the question of how diet and exercise can influence and prevent the development of overweight and obesity in that special pediatric population. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Infant and Early Childhood Nutrition)
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24 pages, 786 KiB  
Review
Relationship between Infant Feeding and the Microbiome: Implications for Allergies and Food Intolerances
by Lourdes Herrera-Quintana, Héctor Vázquez-Lorente, Daniel Hinojosa-Nogueira and Julio Plaza-Diaz
Children 2024, 11(8), 1030; https://doi.org/10.3390/children11081030 - 22 Aug 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2543
Abstract
Childhood is a critical period for immune system development, which is greatly influenced by the gut microbiome. Likewise, a number of factors affect the gut microbiome composition and diversity, including breastfeeding, formula feeding, and solid foods introduction. In this regard, several studies have [...] Read more.
Childhood is a critical period for immune system development, which is greatly influenced by the gut microbiome. Likewise, a number of factors affect the gut microbiome composition and diversity, including breastfeeding, formula feeding, and solid foods introduction. In this regard, several studies have previously demonstrated that breastfeeding promotes a favorable microbiome. In contrast, formula feeding and the early incorporation of certain solid foods may adversely affect microbiome development. Additionally, there is increasing evidence that disruptions in the early microbiome can lead to allergic conditions and food intolerances. Thus, developing strategies to promote optimal infant nutrition requires an understanding of the relationship between infant nutrition and long-term health. The present review aims to examine the relationship between infant feeding practices and the microbiome, as well as its implications on allergies and food intolerances in infants. Moreover, this study synthesizes existing evidence on how different eating habits influence the microbiome. It highlights their implications for the prevention of allergies and food intolerances. In conclusion, introducing allergenic solid foods before six months, alongside breastfeeding, may significantly reduce allergies and food intolerances risks, being also associated with variations in gut microbiome and related complications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Infant and Early Childhood Nutrition)
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11 pages, 256 KiB  
Review
The Future for the Children of Tomorrow: Avoiding Salt in the First 1000 Days
by Giorgia Mazzuca, Silvia Artusa, Angelo Pietrobelli, Giuseppe Di Cara, Giorgio Piacentini and Luca Pecoraro
Children 2024, 11(1), 98; https://doi.org/10.3390/children11010098 - 14 Jan 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2114
Abstract
It is widely known that optimal nutrition in the first 1000 days of life positively impacts the child’s development throughout adulthood. In this setting, salt should not be added to complementary feeding. In developed countries, salt intake is generally higher than recommended for [...] Read more.
It is widely known that optimal nutrition in the first 1000 days of life positively impacts the child’s development throughout adulthood. In this setting, salt should not be added to complementary feeding. In developed countries, salt intake is generally higher than recommended for children. Excessive salt intake is the major determinant of hypertension and is associated with several cardiovascular outcomes. Therefore, pediatricians have a key role in raising awareness among parents to avoid salt consumption in the first 1000 days of life to ensure better health for their children. Starting from a review of the literature published in PubMed/MedLine regarding the short- and long-term consequences of salt consumption during the first 1000 days of life, our comprehensive review aims to analyze the beneficial effects of avoiding salt at such a vulnerable stage of life as the first 1000 days. Obesity, hypertension, increased salt sensitivity, high sweet drink consumption, increased mortality, and morbidity persisting in adult age represent the principal consequences of a higher salt intake during the first 1000 days of life. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Infant and Early Childhood Nutrition)
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