NEWS SACN CONSULTATION - FEEDING IN THE 1ST YEAR OF LIFE
Another new consultation: since there has been no comprehensive risk assessment of infant and young child feeding in the UK since 1994, SACN requested its Subgroup on Maternal and Child Nutrition (SMCN) to review recent developments in this area.
Breastfeeding lowdown So far, it is apparent that breastfeeding does indeed make a significant contribution to infant and lifelong health. It has a key role in the development of the immune system, with strong evidence showing that not breastfeeding can drive up hospital admissions of gastroenteritis and lower respiratory illness. Equally, early introduction of solid foods, at three to four months has been linked to increased likelihood of the same conditions.
Complementary feeding The introduction of complementary foods after six months was not associated with later difficulty in acceptance of solid foods; in fact, repeated exposure to new foods enhanced acceptance. As expected, it was evident that risks links to adding salt and free sugars to infants’ foods need to be re-emphasised. It was also raised that the introduction of peanut and hen’s eggs earlier than around six months may not only present an allergy risk, but their inclusion displaces breast milk. Micronutrients Iron status at birth is an important determinant of iron status throughout infancy. The report emphasised that during the first six months, breastfeeding provides sufficient dietary iron for healthy term infants. Standard advice that unfortified cows’ milk should not be introduced before 12 months of age still applies. This new report helps to document some of our latest concerns and inklings. That said, ongoing work is needed to delve much deeper into early years nutrition and the sheer significance of eating well during this fundamental life stage.
PRODUCT / INDUSTRY NEWS MEVALIA LOW PROTEIN LAUNCH ANOTHER ITALIAN CLASSIC Another Italian classic! Rigatoni pasta is an ideal option to smother in low protein sauces and fill up on. It’s high in fibre, just like the other pastas in our range. Now available as from 1st August 2017 on prescription. PIP code 404-8096. 500g pack size. Samples will be available. Find out more information at our website www.mevalia.com/en/products-low-protein/
To book your Company's product news for the next issue of NHD call 01342 824 073 NIACIN (B3) AND BIRTH DEFECT PREVENTION As discussed above, it is well recognised that folate and folic acid can help to cut birth defects such as NTDs. Now some exciting new work has looked at the potential role of niacin (aka vitamin B3) and how this may also help to reduce birth defects. The study published in the New England Journal of Medicine used genomic sequencing to identify potential pathogenic gene variants in families where birth defects were apparent. In particular, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) is synthesised from vitamin B3 and deficiency of this molecule is thought to trigger birth defects. Overall, authors and the results of the genomic sequencing showed that disruptions in NAD synthesis caused a deficiency of NAD and congenital malformations in humans and mice. It was also found that niacin supplementation during pregnancy prevented such malformations in mice. Clearly, repeated and human studies are needed. However, just as NTDs can have a strong genetic aetiology, there also appear to be genetic flaws leading to NAD shortfalls and possible birth defects linked to this. For more information, see: Shi H et al (2017). The New England Journal of Medicine Vol 377, issue 6; pg: 544-52 www.NHDmag.com October 2017 - Issue 128
7