Nutrients, minerals and vitamins in the baby

We are going to describe below its minimum necessary contribution, as well as the optimal and harmful contribution.

Proteins

It is very important that they receive the proper amount of essential amino acids. Breastfeeding and artificial feeding facilitate them, although cow's milk is considered to have the ideal pattern.

• Minimum protein intake for healthy infants: 1.5 grams / kg of body weight / day.
• Optimal contribution: 2 grams / kg of weight / day.
• Harmful contribution: 5 grams / kg of weight / day.

The carbohydrates

These carbohydrates must be administered mainly in the form of lactose, especially in the first 6 months of life, which is achieved with breastfeeding.

• Approximate carbohydrate intake for the healthy infant in the first semester: 60 grams / day.
• Approximate contribution of carbohydrates in the second semester: 95 grams / day.

The fats

3-6% of fats should be in the form of linoleic acid (0.5-1 grams / kg / day).

• Approximate fat intake for the healthy infant in the first semester: 31 grams / day.
• Approximate fat intake for the healthy infant in the second semester: 30 grams / day.

The minerals

• Iron is found in greater amounts and is better absorbed in breast milk than in artificial formulas. In principle, the infant has sufficient iron stores for the first 4 to 6 months.
• Calcium and phosphorus are presented in a more suitable ratio for the infant in which in the artificial, breastfed patients suffer less hypocalcemia than those breastfed with artificial formula.

The vitamins

• Vitamin D is necessary to prevent rickets. Children who are breastfed and adequately exposed to the sun have less frequent hypovitaminosis D (vitamin D deficiency, an essential vitamin for the correct ossification of the skeleton). Dark-skinned children, celiacs, and those with cystic fibrosis, among others, may need vitamin D supplements, regardless of how they breastfeed.
• Vitamin K It is routinely administered to all newborns in the delivery room to prevent hemorrhagic disease of the newborn.
• and they are found in adequate amounts and similar in breast milk and formula. Vitamin C is more abundant in breast milk than in cow's milk.

• It is very important that the baby receives the adequate amount of essential amino acids.
• Carbohydrates and fats are also essential for its development.
• Among the minerals, iron, calcium and phosphorus stand out, which are found in a more adequate proportion in breast milk.