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24.02.2010 | 8:47:39 am | Posted by colleenh
By Colleen Hurley, RD, Certified Kid’s Nutrition Specialist
Great strides have been taken in the recent years to attempt to provide an infant formula that replicates the concentrations of nutrients found in breast milk. A newer addition to infant formula is omega-3 fatty acids, a rich source of DHA, a nutrient proven in recent studies to enhance fetal brain development and future cognitive skills. A study out this month found yet another reason for DHA enrichment and that is eye health.
Infant formulas are a touchy subject and watchdog groups keep a keen eye on marketing strategies as some companies compare their infant formula to breast milk. Some mothers cannot breastfeed for either health or personal reasons but that does not mean they too don’t want their babies to have the best that they can provide.
Recently, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) examined and brought new regulations for DHA eye and brain health claims for infants stating that 100mg of DHA daily is appropriate for 7-24 month olds as well as 200mg per day for expecting and lactating women. DHA, or docosohexaenoic acid, is an omega-3 fatty acid found in high levels in fish oils but nutrient analysis have also found breast milk to contain significant amounts as well.
Published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, the study examined 244 formula fed infants between 1 and 9 days of age born in Dallas  and Kansas. The babies were assigned to 1 of 4 groups; one being fed a control formula without DHA as well as 3 other formulas with various amounts of DHA. At 12 months of age, the infants’ clarity of vision was measured only to find the infants fed the DHA fortified formula had better vision than the control group.
There was also no difference noted in the varying amounts of DHA supplemented, from .64% to .96%, and researchers note no adverse affects were seen either. With respect to long term benefits, the study authors felt more research is needed. The EFSA recently backed these DHA related claims: “DHA intake can contribute to normal development of the eye of the fetus, infant and young children”, and “DHA intake can contribute to the visual development of the infant”. Proper maternal and infant nutrition is a serious matter and should be discussed with a healthcare provider. Please discuss any supplements with your physician before taking or giving to your child.
22.02.2010 | 12:26:46 pm | Posted by colleenh
By Colleen Hurley, RD, Certified Kid’s Nutrition Specialist
Long before the plastic bottle debate arose was the ongoing quandary of fluoridated toothpaste and children. Fluoride, when used topically, can help prevent tooth decay yet too much taken internally can have the opposite effecting leading to mottling or tooth discoloration. A recent study finally provides parents with a much needed fluoride usage guideline.
Brushing teeth is an excellent and necessary habit to initiate in a young child. Fluoride plays a critical role in the development of strong, healthy teeth. Being young, however, little ones do not always spit out the toothpaste properly increasing risk of fluorosis or fluoride toxicity hence the long standing debate over fluoride toothpaste. Researchers from the Cochrane Oral Health Group based out of the School of Dentistry at the University of Manchester found that fluoridated toothpaste decreased risk of tooth decay by 24% when compared with non-fluoridated products.
The recent report states parents should use a toothpaste that contains a minimum concentration of 1,000 parts per million of fluoride to prevent tooth decay in children. Preventing tooth decay ultimately can reduce the need for expensive dental treatments as well as subsequent pain and discomfort. In a second, related  study the authors note the importance of parents discussing the benefits and risks with their child’s dentist particularly if a child is at high risk of tooth decay.
The study involved 73,000 children worldwide part of 79 clinical trials and examined the effects of various children’s toothpaste. Research determined that toothpastes with less than 1,000 parts per million (ppm) were similar to using a non-fluoridated toothpaste at preventing tooth decay. Currently, children’s toothpaste range in fluoride content from 100ppm to 1,4000ppm.
Using fluoride toothpaste to brush a child’s teeth under the age of 12 months may increase risk for fluorosis. Up until age 6, when teeth are fully developed, there is still risk of fluorosis if children swallow large amounts of toothpaste. Using a small amount under a parent’s watchful can help reduce these risks. Study authors note the confusion this particular matter can cause for parents which is only exacerbated by the varying amounts of fluoride in children’s toothpaste. The risk of tooth decay and its consequences, authors note, outweigh the small risk of fluorosis as children would have to swallow large amounts over a long period of time but recommend parents discuss this with their dentist.
18.02.2010 | 11:50:22 am | Posted by colleenh
By Colleen Hurley, RD, Certified Kid’s Nutrition Specialist
Finding yummy gluten free snacks for kids is not easy especially ones that aren’t too unhealthy so most moms take matters into their own hands and make their own. This month’s gluten free recipe adds to the snack recipe artillery with chewy granola bars, a treat kids love. The recipe is also dairy free, and allows for lots of variations for family food preference or other food allergies or intolerances. It is of course, also suitable for celiacs.
The granola bars call for gluten free oats, so when shopping make sure oats are specifically labeled as gluten free. Although oats by nature do not contain gluten, a lot of cross-contamination with other gluten containing grains often occurs and can happen anywhere from the growing field to the processing room.
This gluten free recipe is from Living Without, a magazine for people with food allergies and sensitivities and is a great resource for recipes as well as other tips for managing food intolerances. The original recipe calls for butter, which does contain casein so those avoiding should use a poly or monounsaturated oil based margarine.
Chewy Granola Bars
These granola bars make a great breakfast on the go, afterschool snack, or brown bag lunch treat and have been tested and tried by Mum Mum’s dietitian.
½ cup margarine or butter, melted
½ cup vegetable oil
½ cup brown or date sugar
¼ cup sugar
2 tablespoons pure maple syrup (or honey for children over 2)
2 cups of gluten free oats
2 cups of quinoa flakes (or rice)
1 cup shredded coconut
1 cup shopped almonds or pumpkin seeds (optional)
1 cup raisins, chopped dates, or other dried fruit
Preheat oven to 350◦, lightly oil and line a 9 x12 jelly roll pan (cookie sheet with sides) with parchment paper. In a large mixing bowl, combine butter, sugars, and syrup then stir in remaining ingredients until mixed. Spoon mixture onto pan; spread evenly through pan pressing down to create a smooth surface. Bake for 30 minutes, allow to cool slightly then cut into 2 inch bars.
Prep time: 45 minutes
Yield: 3 dozen bars
16.02.2010 | 9:38:12 pm | Posted by colleenh
By Colleen Hurley, RD, Certified Kid’s Nutrition Specialist
Mum Mum’s recently reported that the UK sent researchers out to discover why breastfeeding rates and duration lengths remain low in that country, particularly when current research touts numerous health benefits to both mother and baby. Although many women initiate breastfeeding, the duration of breastfeeding remains lower than health experts would like to see of a minimum of 6 months. A recent study found that there is further reason to encourage longer breastfeeding duration as it may improve a baby’s mental health.
MSNBC reported the Australian study which discovered children who are breastfed longer than 6 months could be at a lower risk for mental health issues later in life. Researchers theorize that breastfeeding may help a child cope better with stress as well as solidify a stronger mother-child bond which benefits the child into adolescence.
The study, conducted by Dr. Wendy H. Oddy and colleagues of the Telethon Institute for Child Health Research in West Perth, examined 2, 366 children enrolled in the Western Australia Pregnancy Cohort Study. The children underwent mental health assessments at 2, 5, 8, 10, and 14 years of age.
Of the children in the study, 11% were not breastfed, 38% were breastfed for less than 6 months, and approximately half were breastfed for 6 months or longer. Data from the mothers was also collected noting that the mothers who nursed for 6 months or less were poorer, less educated, and with greater stress levels than the mothers who breastfed longer. These same mothers also had a higher likelihood of post partum depression and their babies were more likely to have growth problems.
At each of the assessment points, researchers found the children who breastfed for shorter periods of time had worse behavior. The unfavorable behavior predominately exhibited in the children was directing negative behavior inwards, or internalizing, such as depression or outward acts like aggression. For each additional month a child was breastfed, behaviors improved.
After economic, social, physiological factors, and early life events were adjusted for; breastfeeding 6 months or longer was positively associated with the mental health and well-being of children and adolescents. In conclusion, researchers noted: “Interventions aimed at increasing breastfeeding duration could be of long-term benefit for child and adolescent mental health.”
01.02.2010 | 4:35:59 pm | Posted by colleenh
By Colleen Hurley, RD, Certified Kid’s Nutrition Specialist
Breast is milk is best when it comes to feeding baby, yet many mothers opt to bottle feed instead. The amount of research supporting the positive health benefits of breastfeeding for both mother and baby is astounding a nd the studies don’t seem to be slowing down any time soon. Deciding whether or not breastfeed is a big decision, so what exactly determines that choice? UK researchers decided to find out.
The breastfeeding rates in the UK have been one of the lowest in the world and the country has put forth a great deal of effort over the past several years in an attempt to increase breastfeeding rates. The UK government recommends, along with health experts of countries all over the globe including the World Health Organization (WHO), exclusive breastfeeding for the 6 months of life. It was the WHO report of global breastfeeding rates that ranked the UK second to lowest in 2000, as only 21% of mothers were still breastfeeding at 6 months.
The University of Manchester along with Lancashire Primary Care Trust examined the effects of maternal obstetric factors, maternal socio-demographic factors, and hospital feeding practices on breastfeeding rates. The most important factors, according to the study, were ethnicity, hospital feeding practices, and mothers who had previously given birth.
Interestingly, the study did not find a significant correlation between breastfeeding duration and mothers in a peer-support program, marital status, time of delivery, length of time to initiate breastfeeding after giving birth, or socioeconomic status – all factors previously believed to play a critical role. About 50% of the breastfeeding mothers with peer support continued to breastfeed past 27 weeks. White mothers were 69% more likely to cease nursing than non-White mothers and also breastfed for shorter durations.
The study findings reveal mixed emotions. Researchers note that the association between feeding practices and ethnicity along with previous births can be much more difficult to influence through peer support programs. Yet, knowing what the study suggests, peer support programs can now focus on identifying the needs of their various clients to support them appropriately.
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