everal amino acids are considered conditionally essential. Requirements must be at least partially met by dietary sources. For example cysteine is an essential amino acid during early infancy, because the synthetic enzymes that convert methionine to cysteine are not fully developed. Carnitine, also an amino acid, plays a central role in the metabolism of fat, is supplied in ample amounts in human milk and cow’s milk-based formulas but lacking in soy- based formulas. Fat Requirements- infants require calorically dense foods to meet the high energy needs of growth. Human milk contains 50-55% of energy as fat, and most formulas contain 45-50% of energy as fat. Infants thrive and grow normally when fed diets with 30-60% of calories as fat; less energy-dense diets may result in inadequate energy intake. Water Requirements- infants needs for water per unit of body weight are significantly high, and the risk of dehydration is sharply increased during this period. There are several reasons for this. Because infants have a larger surface area per unit of body weight, insensible losses from the skin and lungs are increased. Urinary and fecal losses also occur, and water is lost in growth, as it is incorporated into growing cells and tissues. Vitamin and Mineral Needs-all infants should receive vitamins. (fat soluble/water soluble vitamin) Vitamin A, D, E, & K plays key roles in growth, cellular differentiation, and immune system integrity during infancy. Vitamin C, B6, Folate, B12, & Thiamin, also contributes greatly for optimal infant growth. Too much vitamins can be harmful to infants and small children resulting in diseases affecting that of which is susceptible. Iron is the element requiring special attention during the first year. Full-term infants are born with adequate iron stores for the first to six months. Human milk is low is in iron but 50 percent of the iron in breast milk is absorbed-it is highly bioavailable....
