Early Nutrition for a Healthy Future Generation
Early Nutrition for a Healthy Future Generation

Summary/Abstract: A healthy organism requires a process of continued harmonious growth and development, starting from the intrauterine life, the environment in which it belongs, the educational level and the quality of the diet, representing the determinants of health. Nutrition and nurturing during the first years of life are both crucial for life-long health and well-being. Breastfeeding represents the gold standard for infant nutrition, with short-term and long-term benefits. Besides its "ideal food" status, is an important source of comfort and safety for the baby; if breastfeeding is not possible, the milk formula that the infant receives must be according to its particularities. Inappropriate complementary foods or failure to introduce complementary foods by 6 months of age plays an important role in changing the nutritional status. Inappropriate nutrition at the beginning of life has an impact on health in the long term over generations. Improving nutrition during the first 1,000 critical days can prevent much of the serious and irreparable damage caused by hunger and malnutrition. On the other hand, prevention measures of childhood and adult obesity should start during this period, too. Adequate nutrition for adolescent girls and pregnant women is essential for growth and healthy physical and mental development of young children and for the long-term prevention of chronic diseases and premature death.

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