Anthropometric measures: These are physical measures of the body. They include (but are not limited to) weight, height, body mass index (an indicator of obesity, see p. 349), skin-fold thickness (an indicator of subcutaneous fat), and waist circumference (an indicator of abdominal fat, see p. 349). [Note: Ideal body weight can be calculated using the Hamwi method: 106 lb (for males) or 100 lb (for females) for the first 5 ft of height + 5 lb for every inch over 5 ft, with an adjustment of −10% for a small frame and + 10% for a large one.] 3.
Laboratory data: These are obtained by tests performed on body fluids, tissues, and waste. They can include plasma LDL-C (for cardiovascular risk), fecal fat (for malabsorption), red cell indices (for vitamin deficiencies), and N balance and serum proteins (such as albumin and transthyretin [prealbumin]) for protein–energy status. [Note: These proteins are made in the liver and transport molecules such as fatty acids and thyroxine (see p. 406) through blood. Low albumin levels correlate with increased morbidity and mortality in hospitalized patients. The short half-life (2–3 days) of transthyretin as compared to that of albumin (20 days) has led to its use in monitoring the progress of hospitalized patients.]
Nutritional insufficiency can be the result of inadequate nutrient intake (caused, for example, by an inability to eat, loss of appetite, or decreased availability), inadequate absorption, decreased utilization, increased excretion, or increased requirements.
IX. NUTRITION AND THE LIFE STAGES
Macronutrient energy sources, micronutrients, EFA, and EAA are required at every life stage. Additionally, each stage has specific nutrition needs.
A. Infancy, childhood, and adolescence
The rapid growth and development in infancy (birth to age 1 year) and childhood (age 1 year to adolescence) necessitate higher energy and protein needs relative to body size than are required in subsequent life stages. In adolescence, the marked increases in height and weight that occur increase nutritional needs. Growth charts (Fig. 27.26) are used to compare an individual’s stature (height) and/or weight to the expected values for others of the same age (≤20 years) and sex. They are based on data from large numbers of normal individuals over time. [Note: Deviations from the expected growth curve, as reflected in the crossing of two or more percentile lines, raise concern.] 1. Infants: Ideal infant nutrition is based on human breast milk because it provides calories and most micronutrients in amounts appropriate for the human infant. Carbohydrates, protein, and fat are present in a 7:3:1 ratio. [Note: In addition to the disaccharide lactose, human milk contains nearly 200 unique oligosaccharides. About 90% of the microbiota (the population of microbes) in the breast-fed infant’s intestine is represented by one type, Bifidobacterium infantis, which expresses all the enzymes needed to degrade these complex sugars. The sugars, in turn, act as prebiotics that support the growth of B. infantis, a probiotic (helpful bacteria).] Breast milk is low in vitamin D, however, and exclusively breast-fed babies require vitamin D supplementation. [Note: Human milk provides antibodies and other proteins that reduce the risk of infection.]
The microbiota in and on the human body plus their genomes are referred to as the microbiome. It is acquired at birth from the environment and changes with the life stages. The gut microbiome influences host nutrition by facilitating processing of food consumed and is itself influenced by that food. Its relationship with undernutrition, obesity, and diabetes is under investigation.
2.