Volume: 3, 2024
3rd International PhD Student’s Conference at the University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Poland:
ENVIRONMENT – PLANT – ANIMAL – PRODUCT
Abstract number: H005
DOI: https://doi.org/10.24326/ICDSUPL3.H005
Published online: 24 April 2024
ICDSUPL, 3, H005 (2024)
Pediatric feeding disorders
Paulina Kawecka1*, Małgorzata Kostecka1
1 Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Food Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Akademicka 13, 20-950 Lublin, Poland
* Corresponding author: paulina.kawecka@up.lublin.pl
Abstract
Feeding is a basic function and at the same time a complex process necessary for proper human functioning. It determines adequate nutrition, proper development and good health. Feeding disorders in children do not have one well-defined definition, they are defined as abnormal food intake inappropriate for age, which is linked to nutritional, medical and psychosocial factors. Both prevention and nutrition education are extremely important in forming proper eating habits, as well as preventing and overcoming feeding disorders in children. At the same time, they reduce the possible health consequences of not providing right nutrients and the occurrence of negative effects on the child’s social functioning – both in early childhood and later in life. Feeding symptoms that worry parents should not be underestimated as action taken at an early stage can prevent the above-mentioned consequences. Due to the complexity of the problem of pediatric feeding disorders, diagnosis is based on a detailed feeding history, available questionnaires completed by parents and child observation during feeding process. It is extremely important to rule out medical causes, which will require specialized care, eliminate them and develop an individual action plan. Depending on the cause and severity of the problem, feeding difficulties can either be overcome at the level of the environment in which the child lives on a daily basis or require multidisciplinary intervention, including a doctor, psychologist, nutritionist and sensory integration therapist.
Keywords: feeding, feeding disorders, nutrition education
How to cite
P. Kawecka, M. Kostecka, 2024. Pediatric feeding disorders. In: 3rd International PhD Student’s Conference at the University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Poland: Environment – Plant – Animal – Product. https://doi.org/10.24326/ICDSUPL3.H005