Rosalee Brown
THE QUALITY of nutrition during pregnancy can affect the offspring in many different ways. Studies show that the effect on the offspring is determined by the stage of pregnancy. The effect of poor nutrition could mean that the offspring's organ systems are programmed before birth and put in motion for metabolic and hormonal changes, that may be manifested in diseases many years after.
Some of these nutritional variations can occur even before the woman realises she is pregnant; others can occur during the pregnancy including at the very end of the pregnancy. Some of these variations can cause over-nutrition, resulting in large babies or under-nutrition resulting in a small or thin baby or babies with other physical abnormalities at full term. This intrauterine deprivation can result in cardiovascular diseases and other chronic diseases. Studies also show that improved nutrition after the insult may not erase the disease potential.
CAUSE FOR CONCERN
The nutritional deprivation continues after birth for some infants when they are not breast fed and the substitute first food is inadequate. Artificial formulas are many times not given in the correct amounts and timing and other foods are often introduced too early. Many of these other foods are 'teas' made up of sugar and water, glucose or sugar water adulterated with herbs ('bush tea'). This nutritional deprivation results in reduced linear growth or 'stunting'. The percentage of infants so affected in Jamaica is small, but high enough to be a cause for concern. Many of these mothers are teenagers while others may be themselves offspring with nutritional insults, continuing a vicious cycle.
We all have a role to play in helping to reduce the incidence of nutritional deprivation in our children. Nutrition at all stages of development is important and its relevance during the childbearing age must be emphasised. Pregnant women should be encouraged to attend pre- and postnatal clinics. Older and experienced women should encourage young mothers to breast feed their babies and when it is time to introduce them to family foods, to do this correctly. Because infants are developing rapidly and demand constant high quality nutrients, cessation in their nutrition can result in rapid weight loss or 'wasting' and if prolonged results in 'stunting'.
IN NEED OF GUIDANCE
There are women who can't afford nutritionally-balanced meals every day and cannot afford to feed their families, but social programmes do exist to assist them. Many, however, are ignorant as to how to use their limited funds to their nutritional advantage. Again they need to visit the health centres for guidance and other women have a role to play in helping these women in their communities.
There are economical options in all the food groups which can make tasty Jamaican dishes. These women need to be told that these foods are nourishing and should be eaten.
Babies should be given cereal porridge, soups (from scratch and not the dehydrated cup soups). Many children are now being served fresh fruits, fish/meat/peas and beans and in general, food from the family pot, although many family pots are now 'box food' and other convenient options. We must make an effort to give our children a good start, as those with a poor start will become adults who continue a vicious cycle.
Rosalee M. Brown is a registered dietitian/nutritionist who operates Integrated Nutrition and Health Services; email: yourhealth@gleanerjm.com.
