July 10th 2023
To increase access and further support healthy meals in schools across the nation, the US Department of Agriculture has dedicated millions of dollars in grants to achieve this goal.
Insights into racial differences in vitamin D levels
February 1st 2014Compared with whites, blacks consistently have lower levels of total vitamin D (25-hydroxyvitamin D) and elevated levels of parathyroid hormone (considered a sensitive marker of vitamin D deficiency), often leading to a diagnosis of vitamin D deficiency.
Most medicines are safe during breastfeeding
September 3rd 2013A new clinical report from the American Academy of Pediatrics Committee on Drugs says that many medicines are safe to use for breastfeeding mothers, but it cautions that the risk for babies of exposure to any drug through breast milk must be evaluated for both the importance of the medication to the mother and the benefits of breastfeeding for the infant.
Preterm infants may need higher daily intake of vitamin D
June 1st 2013Preliminary data from a randomized, double-blind trial reveal that giving preterm babies daily supplementation of 800 international units (IU) of vitamin D reduces vitamin insufficiency that may lead to softening and weakening of their bones.
Food elimination diets restrict kids’ growth
March 4th 2013Children with allergies who are treated with food elimination diets are at risk for impaired nutrition and growth compared with their peers, says new research presented at the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology meeting last week in San Antonio, Texas.
Three diets found effective for weight management in children
March 22nd 2012A study comparing 3 weight-loss diets for children with obesity found that all were effective, but some children adhere to certain programs better than others. Which diet appears to be the most promising for long-term weight management?
American Academy of Pediatrics reaffirms support for breastfeeding
March 1st 2012A new policy statement by the American Academy of Pediatrics reaffirms its support for exclusive breastfeeding for about 6 months, with continuation of breastfeeding for 1 year or longer after solid foods are introduced as desired by mother and infant.
Recognizing problems behind infant-formula stretching
January 26th 2012Stretching infant formula by dilution or reduced feedings exposes babies to serious developmental risks, yet it can be a monthly temptation for families receiving supplemental nutrition assistance. Find out how families forced to resort to formula stretching can be better identified and what other options can be offered to them.
New flu vaccination essential even though formulation didn't change
September 8th 2011The influenza vaccine?s formulation may be unchanged from last year, but immunity in children can decline precipitously without another dose this year, according to new recommendations. The good news is that kids aged 6 months to 8 years need only 1 dose if they were vaccinated last year; others in that age group will still require 2 doses. Find out what else the new recommendations have to say, especially about immunization for youngsters with egg allergies.
Study evaluates breastfeeding's effect against sudden infant death syndrome
September 1st 2011A meta-analysis of 18 case-controlled studies on the relationship between breastfeeding and risk of sudden infant death syndrome revealed that breastfeeding of any duration is protective, especially if the breastfeeding is exclusive.
Children with severe fatty liver disease may benefit from vitamin E
May 6th 2011Vitamin E or metformin does not result in sustained reduction of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels in children and adolescents with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), according to a study in the Journal of the American Medical Association.
Recommendation for 6 months of exclusive breastfeeding examined
January 21st 2011A controversial new analysis suggests that introduction of solid foods before 6 months of age may reduce the risk of allergies and iron deficiency anemia compared with exclusive breastfeeding. The researchers suggest that weaning should occur as early 4 months.
Contaminated powdered infant formulas recalled
October 1st 2010After a quality-assurance inspection of its manufacturing plant in Michigan revealed contamination by insect pieces and larvae, Abbott notified FDA that it was suspending production and issued a voluntary recall for about 5 million containers of certain Similac-brand powdered infant formulas.