Nutrition During Life Stages:

It is recommended by the WHO that breastfeeding be the primary source of nutrition for infants.  What are some of the benefits of breastfeeding for infants that you think are interesting? Why?  What are some of the benefits of breastfeeding for mothers that you find interesting?  Why?

The WHO recommends that mothers breastfeed for a minimum of 2 years.  The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends breastfeeding for only 1 year.  Why do you think these recommendations are different?  Apes breastfeed on average 4-6 years, how does this compare to the average breastfeeding duration in humans in our society (3 months).  Do you think there may be nutritional/developmental consequences for humans?

Breastfeeding and the Use of Human MilkLinks to an external site.

WHO fact sheet infant and young child feedingLinks to an external site.

Countries failing to stop harmful marketing of breast milk substitutes warn WHO and UnicefLinks to an external site.

Orangutan moms are the primate champs of breast feedingLinks to an external site.

 

Nutrition During Adulthood

Our goal is to live longer lives through proper nutrition, but also to maintain a quality of life for as long as possible.  What does it mean to compress morbidity?  How do nutritional needs change as you enter your 60s and beyond?  How can you adjust your nutrition and exercise now to conserve the function of your organ systems (reserve capacity) through old age?

If you like, you can share with us the most interesting topic or idea that you are taking away from our course.  If you would like to share a note to the other students in our class, take a moment to add one here.