Nutritional needs change throughout our lifespan. located under your weekly resources, for an overview of nutritional needs by age.(Owner's Pride)

1. Effects o of Nutritional Requirement on physiological and mental sate
Of infants

2. Introduction
• Nutrition is important for the health of infants. This is because it directly influences their
mental health such as brain and the physical well-being that includes ` behavior.
Therefore, it is significant that one identify the right nutritional needs for the infants. A
diet must not contain excess or lack essential nutrients as this will have detrimental
effect on the brain function of the infant and behavior. Infants require balanced diet,
which is important in supporting the mental health of their brain (Agostoni et al.,2010).
• Scientists have gone an extra mile to produce models that serves as the benchmark for
a balanced diet. This is necessary to ensure that the brain is well functioning and the
infant is developing normally in all the aspects. Mediterranean is a good example of
existing model that can be used as a reference point. So far it has been established that
certain essential fatty acids more so the Arachidonic are some of the most essential
nutritional needs for the infants. They are basic in formation of the brain structure and
maintaining all the brain function (Agostoni et al., 2010).However it is important to note
that there is no magical type of nutrient .Lack of one leads to sub optimal functioning of
the others

3. Nutritional links with behavior
• Lacks of certain nutrients for the infants are associated with ranging behavior and mental
disorders. For instance lack of or deficiency of omega -3 EFAs is related to specific
behavioral disorders such as extreme impulsivity and aggressive behavior among the
infants. However, only parts of the effects are understood. In the 21st century, there have
been increased cases of coronary heart diseases especially in the developed world Lauriti
et al., 2014).
• This means that nutrients can either promote or interfere with the cardiovascular system
of the infants. Scientists and researchers have noted that intake of appropriate nutrients
such as the essential fatty acids, anti-oxidants are paramount .Excess intake of nutrients
such as saturated sugar, and salts are harmful. Balanced diet idea, which is mostly
advocated by the Food Standards agency, promotes good health and reduces some of
the chronic diseases such as the cancer. Therefore, all the young infants should be breast
fed .Milk contains polyunsaturated fatty acids and omega that has been discovered to
improve visual and physiological development .Natural milk for the young infant is one of
the most important from of nutrition. There have been so many researches, which are
focusing on the impacts of breastfeeding on the mental health of infants (Lauriti et al.,
2014).

4. • Scientists at kings college of London has noted that breastfeeding has an average increase in the IQ of the
infants who contains the specific FADS2 type of gene. There has been established calculation of the
recommended dietary intakes for the infants who are starting to feed. Newly conducted research reveals
that DHA nutrients have effect on releases of neurotransmitters on behavior of infants. Nutrients with high
levels of DHA leads to higher mental processing .Since no nutrient works alone, other appropriate diet such
as zinc and glucose are essential for the optimal mental health of the infants and their behavior (Lean,
2015).
• If the relevant nutritional needs of the infants are not met developmental disorders begins to be noticed
especially at the old infants who can show signs of dyslexia and autism. These infant disorders are also
affected by the complex gene environmental interactions. However nutritional needs plays major role in the
interaction of the same. Artificial food being used on feeding infants has impacts on their behaviors.
Currently there is no agreed method to help the children susceptible to the same. This is attributed to the
little research that is done on the specific issue. Professor Neil conducted a research on tartrazine that has
shed light on its impacts to the infants (Lean, 2015).

5. • After analyzing their blood serum and urine, he discovered that ADHD contained relatively
low amounts of zinc. Therefore, when infants are fed with tartrazine solutions their levels of
zinc are seeing to be further depleted. This is because they urinate at faster rate leading to
faster excretion of the same. It is thus believed that nutrients containing tartrazine acts as
chelating agents which then binds the zinc in the bodies of the infants to form complex
metals, which are later, excreted. Other impacts associated with such, include inadequate
digestion. Presence of tartrazine inhibits gut enzyme activities (Nabarro, 2013) .
• This is also a valid reason as to why the infants are unable to absorb all the nutrients in the
foods that they eat. Food standard agency has therefore advised the parents of the infants
who see change in behavior such as signs of hyperactivity to cut nutritional diets, which
contain any type of artificial food color. Physiological activities of infants’ brain is crucial as
brain forms 2% of the total body weight and requires large amounts of energy. Precisely the
brain of infants accounts for 55% of the total glucose consumption. Brains of the infants are
known to store negligible amounts of energy (Nabarro, 2013).

6. Optimal nutritional needs
• This implies that it requires continuous supply of the same to keep the infants mental
health functioning efficiently and normally. Scientist has acknowledged that omega 3 is
vital for brain function and structure of the infant. Glucose nutrition is even more essential
as it acts as the fuel. Glycaemic index reflects the manner in which blood glucose speeds
up after diet intake. In addition, the rate in which carbohydrates is converted into the
glucose. Therefore, nutritional diet with high Glycaemic index results in excess intake of
glucose (Nestle, 2013).
• Normally causes low levels of blood glucose, which can starve the brain resulting to the
hunger of the infants. The afterwards signs include slurred speech in infants blurred
vision and even violence in some cases. The physiological functioning of the infant cell
requires various types of nutrients. Studies carried over the years reveals that lack of one
essential nutrient might lead to the inability of the infant cells being able to absorb
another .Thus it’s always difficult to identify effect of one specific micronutrient on
behavior changes. However, some of the impacts are notable on mental performance of
infants. There is a strong link between lack of iron and infants behavior. The old infants’
shows problem of language, attention, and mood swings(Nestle, 2013).

7. • Deficiency of the same in infants will be portrayed by developmental delays. When the
infants receive, iron in the right amounts this benefits them with increased weight gain
and more so development. Infants who suffer consistent deficiency in iron are faced
with poorer cognition and poor school performance at later stage. This is because their
brain structure does not develop healthily (Whitney, 2013). Zinc is mostly crucial in the
development of mental health of the infants this is because it is needed by more than
200 enzymes in the body and brain cells. Some of this are responsible for the cell division
and replication and thus affecting the overall development process of the infant. Its lack
affects the immune system of the infants since it is required by the same cells. Zinc has
also significant relationship with the serotonin receptors and its lack could lead to
potential violent behaviors.
• A strong caregiver bond developed during psychosocial analysis is significant to the
positive development of the infant. Moreover, appropriate feeding to the infants helps
them gain a positive attachment to both the caregiver and the infant. When the infants
are denied balanced diet it threatens their nutritional status, which have adverse effects
on their intellectual and physical properties such as behavior (Whitney, 2013).

8. best foods for nutritional needs
 Even more badly, this could result to lifelong disabilities. Deficiency of balanced diet to the infants
leads to lack of stimulation. For instance, malnourished infant may prohibit signs of delayed
psychomotor activity. The specific child may have difficult in crawling or engaging in playful activities.
The first two years of any infant are the most crucial to his mental and behavioral health. During such
periods of interfered consumption of the appropriate foods nutritional and psychosocial intervention
are significant and should be integrated (Willet & Skerrett, 2005).
 There are foods that best meet the nutritional needs of the infants. Iodine is required for cognitive
development and lack of it in infants may result to risk of irreversible brain damage. Some of the ways
that can be used to deal with mental health problems and behavioral change of the infants include
nutritional interventions and psychosocial support among significant key public health mental
interventions. These relevant interventions are necessary in preventing problems that occur or might
occur. Healthy infants should be provided with meals from four to five times a day. The requirements
of 400-600mL per day of extra fluids when situated in temperate climate and 800-1200mL for those
living in hot climate regions should be met integrated. Information on all relevant feeding practice of
the infants should be constantly updated to the key groups such as the humanitarian workers, donors
and most important of all the health care (Willet & Skerrett, 2005).

9. • All the mothers of the infants should be constantly made aware of the benefits of the breast milk,
as it is the most ideal for healthy growth and developments of the infants. Further, it protects the
infant against many infections and complements bonding with the caregiver that is essential.
There are increased cases of caregiver infants opting for breast milk substitutes as most are
engage in busy schedules. The government should intervene and make sure substitutes are
controlled. Even in the extreme cases when the caregiver is HIV/AIDS positive. The health care
should seriously consider the risk of the infant being infected with the same, against the risk of
becoming ill and probably dying due to lack of breast-feeding (Viljakainen et al., 2010).
• Moreover, appropriate educations should be given to the caregivers on best feeding practices
Caregivers who are suffering mental problems should be assisted in taking care of their infants to
ensure they have the best nutritional needs.
• The government should attempt to ensure that appropriate foods for the infants are available and
readily accessible at the health centers especially at the developing countries
• Infants who show unhealthy behaviors and mental wise due to problems developed from
nutrition complications should be admitted in combination national programmes (Viljakainen et
al., 2010).

10. • Infants from time to time should be exposed to the sunlight because it provides them with vitamin D, which
is crucial in their bone formation. There is growing evidence of what the infants take and how they feel or
acts. Depending on what they take their moods may swing. If they lack proper care in terms of food, they
may develop serious behavioral problems and mental illness. Countries with high number of anemia cases
under the age of 2yrs.Should feed their infants with multiple micronutrient powders to control this problem
((Agostoni et al., 2010).
• Infants who show signs of night-blind prevalence should be provided with vitamin A supplementation.
Moreover it is beneficial to infants who develops measles
• Further, all the countries with diarrhea problem should be encouraged to feed infants with Zinc
supplementation as it aids to cease the problem
• .Infants living with HIV/Aids should be given extensive nutritional care and support.
• All the caregivers for the infants are advised to breastfeed them continuously for the first six months
• The following guidelines should be met to ensure that all feeding infants remain healthy
• All their nutrients should contain energy requirements Caregivers should increase the food as the infant
develops depending on how they take the same (Agostoni et al., 2010).
• .

11. Long term benefits for best nutritional foods
• Healthy eating attitudes are as important as the nutrients that are derived from diet themselves.
• As such, care givers of infants needs to take note and put into perspective habits, behavior, and attitude towards meals.
• The types of feeding habits developed at this stage are also a good opportunity to incorporate cues that would culminate into
health benefits.
• Infants who have healthy and happy experiences during mealtime are bound to develop and nurture the same as they grow up
(Whitney, 2013).
• Some of the important aspects to take note of include meal sizes and the frequency durations of these meals.
• The role of the brain and in general mental activity has an insurmountable role in development.
• The brain is the core of body activity and physiological processes.
• As such, any changes that take place in the body and their conjunctional nutritional implication are under mental control.
• For instance, increased activity, be it physical or physiological is monitored by brain.
• The same triggers hormonal changes that change the intake behavior in terms of quality, variety, and quantity to match these body
changes.
• At the consequent developmental stages, it is important to take note of the infants, health, and welfare as they grow.
• The health implications with which these foods are attributed would serve to influence the whole of an infant’s later life into
adulthood. It is thus important to create an important basis upon which later life would be structured (Whitney, 2013).

12.  Nestle, Marion. (2013).Food Politics: How the Food Industry Influences Nutrition and Health.
University of California Press. p 413

 Whitney, Ellie & Rolfes, Sharon Rady. (2013). Understanding Nutrition. 13th edition. Wadsworth,
Cengage Learning. pp 667-70

 Willet, Walter c & Skerrett, Patrick J. (2005). Eat, Drink and be Healthy: The Harvard Medical
School Guide to Healthy Eating. Free Press (Simon & Schuster). p 183

 Viljakainen, H. T., Saarnio, E., Hytinantti, T., Miettinen, M., Surcel, H., Makitie, O & Lamberg-
Allardt, C. (2010). Maternal vitamin D status determines bone variables in the newborn. The
Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, 95(4), 1749-1757.
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13.  Agostoni, C., Buonocore, G., Carnielli, V. P., De Curtis, M., Darmaun, D., Decsi, T., & Goulet, O. (2010). Enteral nutrient
supply for preterm infants: commentary from the European Society of Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and
Nutrition Committee on Nutrition. Journal of pediatric gastroenterology and nutrition, 50(1), 85-91.
 Lauriti, G., Zani, A., Aufieri, R., Cananzi, M., Chiesa, P. L., Eaton, S., & Pierro, A. (2014). Incidence, Prevention, and
Treatment of Parenteral Nutrition–Associated Cholestasis and Intestinal Failure–Associated Liver Disease in Infants and
Children A Systematic Review. Journal of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition, 38(1), 70-85.
 Lean, Michael E J. (2015). Principles of Human Nutrition. Medicine . 43(2) 61-65. Retrieved on 8th February, 2016
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 Nabarro, David. (2013). Global Child and Maternal Nutrition- The Sun rises. The Lancet. 382(9893): 666-7
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