below average wieght in teens
| Discussion in 'All Categories' started by anthony stephen wright - Nov 4th, 2011 2:45 am. | |
anthony stephen wright
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my friends son is 14 and was born prematuer and suffers from a below average weight for his age could you advice if this is due to low iron levels |
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re: below average wieght in teens
by Dr M.K. Gupta -
Nov 4th, 2011
11:24 pm
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Dr M.K. Gupta
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Dear Wright You should tell us what was the weight of child during birth. Extremely low birth weight (ELBW) is defined as a birth weight less than 1000 g (2 lb, 3 oz). Most extremely low birth weight infants are the youngest of premature newborns, usually born at 27 weeks gestational age or much younger. Infants born below 1500 g are termed really low birth weight (VLBW). Low birth weight (under 2500 g) was noted in 8.3 percent of births in the United States in 2006, and very low birth weight was noted in 1.48 percent of births; approximately 63,137 US births were reported in 2006. Infants whose weight is suitable for his or her gestational ages are termed right for gestational age (AGA). Infants who are heavier than expected are large for gestational age (LGA); conversely, those small compared to expected are thought small for gestational age (SGA) and are also usually discovered to be intrauterine growth restricted (IUGR) prior to birth. Extremely low birth weight survival has improved with the widespread utilization of surfactant agents, maternal steroids, and advancements in neonatal technologies. The minimum age of viability is now as early as 23 weeks gestation, with scattered reports of survivors born at 21-22 weeks' estimated gestation. In our opinion you should consult some pediatrician to get your problem of the friend son solved. You should also give nutritious diet to that child. The quality, not the amount matters. The requirements of essential nutrients varies with age, sex, physical activity levels and also the height & weight of the individual. Even a sparse diet can be nutritious. For instance 100 gms of wheat contains nearly 12 gms of protein, while the same quantity of rice has only 6.4 gms of protein. Similarly 100 gms of Ragi contains 344 mg of Calcium, as the same quantity of Rice has only 9 mg of Calcium. By Seeing More Info on other pages in this website concerning the values of nutrients contained in different foods and a sample Ideal Diet, elders can plan their dietary plan so that it is nutritious, readily available and digestible. Proteins provide the essential Amino acids and the amouint of Protein in the diet is an important measure of the adequacy and quality of the diet. The recommended allowance is one gm. per kg. body weight. In the elderly, upto 12 -14% of the total calories should be from proteins. But, due to decreased appetite and poor digestion, the elderly tend to consume less protein. Also, living alone means eating more carbohydrates which are easier to cook and less expensive. Calcium is extremely required for a typical elderly person. As people become older, the bones become demineralised. This is called Osteoporosis. So Calcium intake ought to be not less than 400 mg per day. Foods full of calcium are Ragi, Leafy green vegetables, milk, fenugreek leaves, drumstick leaves and fish. Phosphorus, dietary fibre, drugs, alcohol, menopause, illness and use may all affect absorption of minerals in your body. Iron deficiency leads to Anaemia. Therefore the diet from the elderly should contain sufficient quantity of iron. Greens are full of iron, less than other vegetables and available easily more often than not. Elders will include some variety of greens within their diet everyday. Other foods full of Iron are: Wheat flour, Ragi, Jaggery, Dates and Liver.The recommended daily allowance is 30 mg. per day With regards M.K. Gupta |