Digestive, nutritional problems in young children

Digestive, nutritional problems in young children

Sep 2014 , Dr. Joslyn Ngu

Around three quarters of children aged between 1.5 and 4 years have had a digestive problem in the past 6 months, according to an Abbott-commissioned survey.
The survey was conducted in six countries and included 304 Malaysian mothers. It found that 62 percent of Malaysian mothers were worried about their child’s digestion system, and more than a third had sought ways to solve the problem.
The survey also showed that the three most common digestion problems reported were constipation, diarrhea and stomach discomfort. This result tallies with that of an older Abbott-commissioned survey in 2012, which found that the main symptoms of milk formula intolerance were diarrhea, constipation, colic, vomiting, rashes, spit-up, gas and fussiness.
Speaking at the launch of a new milk formula for toddlers, Dr. Shaalani Ramachandran, medical director, Abbott Nutrition Malaysia, said: “All the nutrients and energy required for a child’s growth and development are absorbed by the gastrointestinal tract. Building a healthy digestive system during early childhood helps keep a child’s tummy safe from digestive discomforts to enable proper growth and development.”
The new milk formula is designed to ensure that all of a toddler’s nutritional needs are met. It is targeted at improving the digestive system of children aged 1 to 3 years. A good digestive system and nutritional status will improve a child’s health, and this can have a lasting effect until adulthood.
The formula’s four main components include minimal lactose content; easy-to-digest whey protein that is partly broken down; galacto-oligosaccharide (GOS), a type of soluble fiber that can stimulate the growth of probiotic bacteria in the gut; and an easy-to-digest oil blend combining sunflower oil, soya oil and coconut oil.
WHO encourages infants and young children to be breastfed. However, there are situations when breast milk substitutes are required. These situations can be due to the condition of the infant or mother. Among the infant-related conditions that call for specialized formulas are infants with maple syrup urine disease or galactosemia. There are also times when the infant needs additional food on top of breast milk ie, very low birth weight and very preterm infants. An example of a maternal-related condition is a severe maternal illness or infection that makes breastfeeding unfeasible or unadvisable. [WHO: Acceptable medical reasons for use of breast-milk substitutes. Available at: http://whqlibdoc.who.int/hq/2009/WHO_FCH_CAH_09.01_eng.pdf?ua=1]