Naslov
Why care about nutrition and eating habits in early life? Impact on healthy aging

Autori
Žaja, Orjena

Vrsta, podvrsta i kategorija rada
Sažeci sa skupova, prošireni sažetak, ostalo

Skup
Međunarodna znanstvena konferencija “Better Future of Healthy Ageing 2020” (BFHA 2020)

Mjesto i datum
Zagreb, Hrvatska; online, 03.06.2020. - 05.06.2020

Vrsta sudjelovanja
Poster

Vrsta recenzije
Međunarodna recenzija

Ključne riječi
children ; nutrition ; healthy aging ; early life

Sažetak
INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES The rapid increase of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) is a major global health concern. The increase has happened too fast thus suggests that epigenetic phenomena may play a pivotal role. The most critical period in life is during the first 1000 days (from conception until 2 years) that offers a critical window of opportunity to shape both short and long-term health, while nutrition plays a crucial role. An imbalanced intake of nutrients can have profound effects on the child development, including risk of NCDs in later life. Meeting the specific nutritional needs in this period can positively influence health outcome throughout life and therefore represents the first step towards healthy aging. Feeding difficulties (FDs) are among the most common pediatric problems. Incidence is higher in children with psychomotor developmental disorders and chronic illnesses. According to some authors, 25-30% of parents report specific feeding problems, and 1-2% have serious problems classified as early feeding disorders (EFDs). This difficulty significantly increase the risk of malnutrition and can adversely affect healthy aging. The aim of this research was to analyze the characteristics of children with FDs in our department and applied therapeutic interventions. METHODS Medical chart retrospective analysis of children who attended department due to FDs in the past two-year. RESULTS During the analyzed period, a total of 174 children with nutrition-related disorders were treated (FDs and eating disorders). Fifty- seven, average age 16.31±9.2 months, had FDs. Only 6/47 had a severe form (EFDs), while rest had mild form of FDs. Most prevalent was selective form of FDs, and infantile anorexia the rarest. On average, the difficulties lasted for 7.29±5.32 month before treatment. Organic diseases were excluded (GERD, food allergy, celiac disease). 40/57 children presented with failure to thrive and 35/57 had signs of malnutrition. Regarding risk factors, 24/57 children had psychomotor development difficulties and 13/57 had perinatal complications. Therapeutic interventions implied parental reassurance, education on feeding patterns and nutritional supplementations. Only children with EFDs were included in further multidisciplinary treatment. CONCLUSIONS Feeding difficulties are common in pediatric practice, but are not seen as a potentially serious problem that can have long-standing health effects. When recognized early, the intervention is simple and significantly reduces the risk of malnutrition and the negative impact on healthy aging. Thus, timely recognition and intervention are an important goal both for families and health professionals.

Izvorni jezik
Engleski

Znanstvena područja
Kliničke medicinske znanosti

POVEZANOST RADA