Nutrition for Special Groups

Nutrition for Special Groups 3(3+0)

Lesson 17: Nutritional Care for Infants

Nutrient Requirement for Infants

Adequate nutrition during infancy is essential for normal growth and development.
The rapid growth and development of the infant demand an ample supply of all nutrients, but some are more critical to the growth process.

Table: Nutrient requirement for infants

Nutrient	Age	Requirement
Energy	0-6 months 6-12 months	92 kcals/kg/day 80 kcals/kg/day
Protein	0-6 months 6-12 months	1.16 g/kg/day 1.69 g/kg/day
Calcium	0-6 months 6-12 months	500mg -
Retinal β carotene	6-12 months	350µg/day 2800µg/day
Thiamin	0-6 months 6-12 months	0.2 mg/day 0.3 mg/day
Riboflavin	0-6 months 6-12 months	0.3 mg/day 0.4 mg/day
Nicotinic acid	0-6 months 6-12 months	710 µg/kg/day 650 µg/kg/day
Pyridoxine	0-6 months 6-12 months	0.1 mg/day 0.4 mg/day
Ascorbic acid		25 mg/day
Folic acid		25 µg/day
Vitamin B12		0.2 µg/day

Source: RDA s for Indians, ICMR (2010).

1. Energy
2. Protein
3. Carbohydrate
4. Fat
5. Water
6. Vitamins
7. Minerals