Advantages Of Breast Milk Research Articles

The Relationship of Breastfeeding Patterns with The Nutritional Status of Infants 6–24 Months

Babies who are exclusively breastfed will get all the advantages of breast milk and maximum nutrition. On the other hand, the incidence of malnutrition in the future is largely determined by breastfeeding patterns. The aim of this research is to determine the relationship between breastfeeding patterns and the nutritional status of babies aged 6–24 months at the Islamic Boarding School I Community Health Center, Kediri City. This study used a cross-sectional design. The research population was mothers who had babies aged 6–24 months at the Pesantren I Health Center in Kediri City in August–October 2023, for a total of 150 babies. The research sample consisted of several mothers who had babies aged 6–24 months at the Pesantren I Health Center in Kediri City who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. There were 110 respondents. The research instrument for assessing breastfeeding patterns uses a questionnaire, while nutritional status is assessed using height and weight measurements. Data analysis used the Spearman rho statistical test. Half of the mothers had a pattern of predominant breastfeeding, namely 50%. Based on nutritional status, undernutrition 28.2%,. The Lambda test results show p = 0.016, meaning that there was a relationship between breastfeeding patterns and the nutritional status of children aged 6-24 months. The magnitude of the correlation was 0.152 which indicates the correlation very weak category. Breast milk given exclusively during the first 6 months of life can provide sufficient nutrition for the baby's growth and development.

Characterization of exosomal microRNAs in preterm infants fed with breast milk and infant formula.

Breastfeeding not only reduces infection-related morbidity, but also increases growth of preterm infants. Advantages of breast milk (BM) for preterm infants are significant. They continue to be studied. However, because not all preterm infants can receive breastfeeding, bovine-based infant formula (IF) is used as an alternative, which may increase the risk of several preterm complications. Exosomes isolated from biofluids are emerging as biomarkers in research of various diseases. Here, we characterized miRNA contents of exosomes in urine and serum samples of preterm infants who were BM and IF fed and performed transcriptomic analysis of small RNA libraries. We identified significantly up-regulated 6 miRNAs and 10 miRNAs, respectively. Gene Ontology (GO) analysis revealed that target genes of these miRNAs might participate in neuronal development, immunity modulation, detoxification of reactive oxygen species, and transmembrane exchange. Our data suggest that exosome-based systemic screening for preterm infants with breastfeeding might be a screening tool for identifying target molecules involved in therapy for preterm infants in neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) and for future application as nutraceutical formulations or pharmaceuticals.

Breastfeeding in women with HIV infection: A qualitative study of barriers and facilitators.

Until recently, breastfeeding has been contraindicated for women living with HIV (WHIV) in the U.S. However, given the numerous health benefits of breastfeeding, recommendations have changed to support parental choice to breastfeed through shared decision-making. Although specific guidelines for managing the care of these women and their infants are not yet available, various approaches have been successful without infants acquiring HIV from their virologically suppressed mothers, thus, establishing breastfeeding as a viable option for the rising number of interested WHIV. This descriptive qualitative study aimed to identify factors influencing infant feeding choices decisions among WHIV in a multiethnic and multicultural population. A qualitative description design was used. WHIV who had given birth within 6 months were recruited using purposeful sampling. Data were collected using a semistructured interview guide in the participant's preferred language. Content analysis was used, and barriers and facilitators were separated and used to generate the themes and categories. In total, 20 participants were interviewed, and from these interviews, 11 barriers and 14 facilitators that influenced the decision to breastfeed were identified. Major barriers were related to the interference with daily activities, fear of transmission, lack of a standardized approach to education, and maternal concerns. Key facilitators included the benefits and advantages of breastmilk, access to more scientific research information on breastfeeding in the context of HIV, advice from a lactation consultant, emotional connection and attachment with the child, support from family and partners, empowering and supporting autonomy and decision-making about infant feeding, providing feeding choices, access to the lived experiences of women who have successfully breastfed their infants, and collaborative relationship with the physician and other healthcare providers. The study identified barriers and facilitators to breastfeeding among WHIV that may influence their infant feeding decision-making process. More research is needed to guide the standardization of institutional policies and develop strategies to support breastfeeding in this population.

Factors affecting Early Discontinuation of Exclusive Breastfeeding – A study of Hospitalized Infants

Introduction: Breast milk is a natural and nutritious food which is considered to be the safest food for neonates and infants. It boosts immune system, controls gastrointestinal infections, pneumonia, UTI and provides proper nutrients like protein, fat, vitamins, and minerals. Aim of the Study: The study aimed to find out the factors of early discontinuation of exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) during the first 6 months of life of hospitalized babies. Methods: It is an observational prospective study conducted at the Bangladesh Shishu Hospital and Institute. The sample size was 191 infants and their mothers. Data was collected through a structured questionnaire prepared by the researchers and applied to the mothers of infants. The study was conducted during the period of 1 July 2020- 31 December 2020. Result: Most of the infants 111(52.3%) were aged<20 days and most of the mothers 154(80.6%) were aged more than 20 years. Majority of the mothers 107(56.1%) were housewives and 14(7.3%) infants were preterm. Most of the babies 125(65.4%) weighted more than 2500g. In this study majority of the babies 161(84.29%) were healthy cried immediately after the birth. Majority of the babies 105(55%) could suck breast milk properly after the birth. In 103(53.9%) cases, breastfeeding was initiated within an hour after the birth. Normal vaginal delivery was done in 98(51.3%) cases and caesarean section was done in 93(48.7%) cases. Majority of the mothers113 (59.2%) had misconception about quantity of milk they believed that they don’t have enough milk. Only 32(16.8%) mothers doesn’t like breastfeed the baby and 65(34%) mothers believed that formula is better than breast milk and 107(56%) mothers had lack of knowledge about advantages of breast milk. Conclusion: This prospective study found that the level of the discontinuation of exclusive breastfeeding is high having several factors like having misconception about quantity of milk, lack of knowledge about advantages of breast milk, preference of formula milk over breast milk. More over low socio-economic background, less educational level of mothers, working mothers having no breast feeding corner in work place, and mothers having various breast problem (inverted nipple, flat nipple, cracked nipple, Mastitis, breast abscess, Faulty technic of breast feeding ) were also included.

Pengaruh Pemberian Rebusan Daun Katuk terhadap Produksi Asi Pada Ibu Nifas

<p><em>Breastfeeding is the process of giving milk to babies with breast milk from the mother's breast since the baby is born and at least 6 months to 2 years or more. According to WHO, pregnant women and postpartum mothers should be informed about the benefits and advantages of breast milk, especially because breast milk provides the best nutrition for babies and protects against disease. According to the 2016 strategic plan, the national target of providing 80% exclusive breastfeeding has not yet reached the target. This study aims to determine the effect of giving decoction of katuk leaves on breast milk production in postpartum mothers in the working area of Suli Health Center. The research method in this research is pre-experimental design with one group pretest – posttest. The results showed that there was an effect of giving decoction of katuk leaves on breast milk production in postpartum mothers in the working area of the Suli Health Center with a value of p = 0.000 (p <0.05). The conclusion is that there is an effect of giving boiled water from katuk leaves on breast milk production in postpartum mothers in the working area of the Suli Health Center</em></p><p><em> </em></p><em>Keywords: Breastfeeding, Breast Milk Production, Decoction of Katuk Leaves, Postpartum Mothers</em>

A cross-sectional study on the practice of wet nursing among Muslim mothers

BackgroundBreastfeeding and wet nursing have been synonymous since ancient times. The practice of wet nursing of another woman’s child in Malaysia is on the rise due to the emergence of awareness among the public about the importance and advantages of breast milk. However, problems arise when there is no systematic system to record and trace the milk mother and milk child data, especially for Muslim participants as milk kinship could affect their relationship status in Islam. Therefore, this study aims to determine the practice of wet nursing among Muslim mothers in Selangor. Simultaneously, this study intends to provide the authorities with an accurate picture of the more aggressive compilation of steps to prevent duplication of consanguinity in wet nursing.MethodsThis cross-sectional study was conducted on 100 women who had breastfed another child in Selangor. Data were obtained using a validated questionnaire (Cronbach alpha = 0.8) and processed using the SPSS software.ResultsResults showed 43.0% of respondents had at least breastfed one someone else’s child. Meanwhile, there were 3.0% of the respondents were nursing seven to ten other children. A total of 237 children have been breastfed by the respondents (n = 100). Of these, 21.5% children were breastfed less than five times, while 78.5% children were breastfed less than five times. Most mothers recorded their milk child background data, and this shows that the community is aware of the importance of data documentation and it indirectly proves that the authorities should act on these current needs.ConclusionsThis study shows that there is a wet nursing practice in the society. Obviously, a phenomenon, trend and practice in the society has the ground and basis as to why it existed and is upheld. Researches related to wet nursing and matters connected to it should continue so as to bring about much good to society.

Evaluation of breastfeeding care and education given to mothers with low-birthweight babies by healthcare workers at a hospital in urban Tanzania: a qualitative study

BackgroundThe total neonatal mortality in Tanzania remains high reaching as much as 44,900 deaths per year, particularly among low birthweight (LBW) babies. This makes Tanzania the fourth African country with the highest number of annual neonatal deaths. Studies have shown the advantages of breast milk for LBW babies and the effectiveness of interventions from healthcare workers (HCWs) to encourage mothers to achieve exclusive breastfeeding (EBF). Although these interventions can substantially reduce mortality in this vulnerable group, they remain insufficient in practice particularly in resource-limited countries. Therefore, there is an urgent need to establish the most appropriate interventions for mothers with LBW babies, particularly in these countries. To help address this need, we evaluated the breastfeeding care and education given to mothers with LBW babies by HCWs during hospitalization in Tanzania.MethodsA qualitative study using semi-structured interviews with mothers of LBW babies at an urban hospital in Tanzania was conducted. We assessed their understanding of breastfeeding at discharge. All the interviews were conducted in local Swahili and then translated to English. Data were analyzed using content analysis.ResultsAmong the 19 mothers interviewed, only four breastfed their baby within an hour after birth. Nine mothers received no support from HCWs when they breastfeed their baby for the first time. Ten mothers received no education on EBF, and there were mothers who misunderstood the EBF definition. Eight answered that they had difficulty breastfeeding their baby at discharge. Four mothers were dissatisfied with the care and education given by HCWs, and six mothers provided suggestions for improvements. Although six mothers had a high reliance on HCWs, they had difficulty asking HCWs questions because of their authoritative attitude and behavior.ConclusionsMothers with LBW babies need special support to increase their ability to breastfeed and ensure EBF continuance. To address the gaps between the currently provided breastfeeding interventions and the ideal breastfeeding interventions, improvements in the quality and quantity of breastfeeding care and education are required. Training HCWs to systematize standard interventions, confirming mothers’ understanding, and ensuring a comfortable environment for mothers are absolutely needed.

Perceptions and Practices regarding Breastfeeding among Postnatal Women at a District Tertiary Referral Government Hospital in Southern India.

Background. Breastfeeding is the optimal method for achieving a normal growth and development of the baby. This study aimed to study mothers' perceptions and practices regarding breastfeeding in Mangalore, India. Methodology. A cross-sectional study of 188 mothers was conducted using a structured proforma. Results. Importance of breast feeding was known to most mothers. While initiation of breast feeding within one hour of birth was done by majority of mothers, few had discarded colostrum and adopted prelacteal feeding. Mothers opined that breast feeding is healthy for their babies (96.3%) and easier than infant feeding (79.8%), does not affect marital relationship (51%), and decreases family expenditure (61.1%). However, there were poor perceptions regarding the advantages of breast milk with respect to nutritive value, immune effect, and disease protection. Few respondents reported discontinuation of breastfeeding in previous child if the baby had fever/cold (6%) or diarrhea (18%) and vomiting (26%). There was a statistically significant association between mother's educational level and perceived importance of breastfeeding and also between the mode of delivery and initiation of breast feeding (p < 0.05). Conclusion. Importance of breast feeding was known to most mothers. Few perceptions related to breast milk and feeding along with myths and disbeliefs should be rectified by health education.

Study of Maternal Knowledge and Attitude toward Exclusive Breast Milk Feeding (BMF) in the First 6 Months of Infant in Yazd-Iran

Introduction: Breast milk is a complete food for growing children until 6 months of age, and mothers, as the most important child health care, play a decisive role in their growth. So promoting their attitude toward the benefits of breastfeeding ensures guarantee child health in the future. This study aimed to assess maternal knowledge and attitude of Mashhad toward exclusive Breast Milk Feeding (BMF)in the first 6 months of infant life. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional descriptive-analytic study was conducted on 190 mothers who referring to Yazd health-care centers for monitoring their 6-24 month year old infants. They completed questionnaire. Participants were selected by cluster and simple random sampling. Data were analyzed by descriptive- analytic tests and using SPSS 11.5. Results: Mean score of maternal attitude toward exclusive BMF was 10.14±2.00 (out of 14) and maternal knowledge score toward advantages of breast milk was 10.12±2.015 (out of 14). The incidence of exclusive BMF in the first 6 months of life study was 72.9%. Child growth was as follows: excellent growth (24.5%) and good growth (55.3%). ANOVA showed a significant difference between parents' education and maternal attitude and maternal knowledge towards exclusive BMF; whatever higher education of parents, more positive knowledge and attitude towards exclusive BMF (P<0.05). There was a significant direct relationship between knowledge and attitude (Spearman test, P-value= 0.000& r= 0.4). Conclusion: Maternal knowledge and attitude towards exclusive BMF was moderate. It is essential to plan for mothers by officials in order to promote breast-feeding in the first 6 months of baby's life to enhance positive maternal attitude in this regard.

Maternal Knowledge and Attitude toward Exclusive Breast Milk Feeding (BMF) in the First 6 Months of Infant Life in Mashhad

Introduction: Breast milk is a complete food for growing children until 6 months of age, and mothers, as the most important child health care, play a decisive role in their growth. So promoting their attitude toward the benefits of breastfeeding ensures guarantee child health in the future. This study aimed to assess maternal knowledge and attitude of Mashhad toward exclusive BMF in the first 6 months of infant life. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional descriptive-analytic study was conducted on 126 mothers who referring to Mashhad health-care centers for monitoring their 6-24 month year old infants. They completed questionnaire. Participants were selected by cluster and simple random sampling. Data were analyzed by descriptive- analytic tests and using SPSS 11.5. Results: Mean score of maternal attitude toward exclusive BMF was 14.32±5.28 (out of 28) and maternal knowledge score toward advantages of breast milk was 19.59±4.80 (out of 28). The incidence of exclusive BMF in the first 6 months of life study was 73.8%. Child growth was as follows: excellent growth (5.6%) and good growth (42.1%). ANOVA showed a significant difference between parents' education and maternal attitude towards exclusive BMF; whatever higher education of parents, more positive maternal attitude towards exclusive BMF (P<0.05). There was a significant direct relationship between knowledge and attitude (Spearman test, P-value= 0.000& r= 0.4). Conclusion: Maternal attitude towards exclusive BMF was moderate. It is essential to plan for mothers by officials in order to promote breast-feeding in the first 6 months of baby's life to enhance positive maternal attitude in this regard.

Providing Breastfeeding Support in the Hospital Setting for Mothers Who Have Infants With Down Syndrome

Breastfeeding is the gold standard when it comes to infant feeding due to the significant health benefits it offers infants. The advantages of breast milk are even greater for infants with Down syndrome because of their increased risk for infections and gastrointestinal issues. However, because babies with Down syndrome often experience unique challenges that can compromise successful breastfeeding, the hospital uses special techniques in the nursery to ensure the mothers have the necessary education to initiate breastfeeding and to troubleshoot should problems arise. The techniques outlined are designed to address issues of hypotonia, sleepiness, and tongue thrusting, which are common in babies with Down syndrome.

Mixed feeding in infants and how to wean onto solid foods

Breast milk provides infants with adequate nutrition until about 6 months of age. Among the many advantages of breast milk over infant formula is the reduced risk of illness because breast milk contains antibodies. Infants develop and grow at different rates, and parents should be supported to decide when their infant is ready for solid foods, around the age of 4–6 months. Weaning is a learning process and should progress with the introduction of a wide range of tastes and increasingly complex textures, so that infants are eating minced and chopped, nutritious family foods by 12 months of age. Additionally, drinks in cups should be introduced after the age of 6 months to enable infants to learn to sip rather than suck their drinks.

Prenatal breastfeeding intervention program to increase breastfeeding duration among low income women

Extensive research confirms the nutritional, economic, biomedical, immunological, and psychological advantages of breast milk. Despite the clear benefits of breastfeeding to mother and infant, breastfeeding rates today continue to remain below the recommended levels in the United States, most notably among low-income mothers. One factor that plays a role in breast-feeding success and may be modifiable by nursing intervention is maternal self-efficacy. This study aimed to increase the breast-feeding du-ration through an intervention based on Den-nis’s Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Theory. A quasi-Experimental design was used to test the effect of the intervention program on duration of breastfeeding. A convenience sample of 37 low-income women was recruited from two rural pre-natal clinics in the Midwest. Data were collected using the Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale (BSES) and a demographic profile. Women were con-tacted by telephone at two and six weeks post-partum to determine if they were still breast-feeding and to complete the BSES. The women who were assigned to a breast-feeding self-efficacy intervention showed significantly greater increases in breast-feeding duration and self-efficacy than did the women in the control group. The results of this study suggest that the one-hour of breastfeeding intervention program during the prenatal period may increase the duration of breastfeeding in low-income women who intend to breastfeed. This study supports the literature which found that prenatal education and postpartum support are important to the out-come of breastfeeding.

Alimentos utilizados ao longo da história para nutrir lactentes

OBJETIVO: Resgatar a historia da alimentacao infantil, com o intuito de compreender a pratica da amamentacao. FONTES DOS DADOS: O levantamento bibliografico foi realizado nas bases MEDLINE, LILACS e SciELO, Internet, enciclopedias, livros cientificos e leigos, literatura, arte e historia. Foram consultados textos sobre os cuidados com lactentes em diferentes epocas, a historia da Medicina, e artigos cientificos recentes sobre nutricao infantil. SINTESE DOS DADOS: Durante o periodo pre-industrial, os costumes pouco variaram, e a chance de sobrevivencia estava relacionada ao aleitamento materno ou a sua substituicao pelo leite de uma ama. Caso isso nao fosse possivel, os lactentes recebiam leite animal, alimentos pre-mastigados ou papas pobres em nutrientes e contaminadas, que determinavam altos indices de mortalidade. Nada podia substituir a amamentacao com sucesso, e dela dependia a sobrevivencia da especie. Com a Revolucao Industrial, as mulheres, que costumavam amamentar, foram trabalhar nas fabricas, motivando a busca de alternativas para nutrir os lactentes. O consumo de leite animal e formulas (diluidas, farinhas, leite em po), bem como a introducao precoce de alimentos comprometeram a saude das criancas. O movimento feminista e a pilula anticoncepcional determinaram queda da natalidade. As fabricas, visando o lucro, desenvolveram formulas modificadas e investiram em propaganda. A sociedade reagiu com um movimento de incentivo ao aleitamento. CONCLUSOES: Atualmente, reconhecem-se as vantagens do leite materno, e recomenda-se aleitamento exclusivo ate os 6 meses, complementado com outros alimentos a partir dessa idade ate pelo menos os 2 anos. A alimentacao infantil, natural ou artificial, sempre foi determinada e condicionada pelo valor social atribuido a amamentacao.

The history of infant nutrition

To retrace the history of infant nutrition with the objective of better understanding breastfeeding. Bibliographic searches were run on MEDLINE, LILACS, SciELO, and the Internet. Encyclopedias, scientific textbooks and books for the general public, in addition to literature, art and history, were also used. Texts on child care from several different periods were consulted, in addition to the history of medicine and recent scientific articles on infant nutrition. During the preindustrial period, customs varied little and the likelihood of survival was linked to breastfeeding or its substitution by a wetnurse's milk. Where this was not possible, infants were given animal milk, pre-chewed foods or paps that were poor in nutrients and contaminated, which caused high mortality rates. There was nothing that could successfully substitute breastfeeding and the survival of the species was dependent on breastfeeding. Once the industrial revolution had started, women who had been accustomed to breastfeeding went to work in factories, stimulating the search for alternative infant nutrition. Consumption of animal milk and formulae (diluted, flour-based, powdered milk) and premature introduction of complementary foods compromised children's health. The feminist movement and the contraceptive pill caused a fall in birth rates. Manufacturers in search of profits developed modified formulae and invested in advertising. Society reacted with breastfeeding support movements. Nowadays, the advantages of breastmilk are recognized and exclusive breastfeeding is recommended up to 6 months, to be supplemented with other foods from this age on and continued until at least 2 years of age. Infant nutrition, whether natural or artificial, has always been determined and conditioned by the social value attributed to breastfeeding.

Let Preemies Breast-Feed

To receive enteral nutrition with the advantages of breast milk, hospitalized premature infants are fed pumped breast milk by gavage or, when nippling skills have developed, by bottle. Direct breast-feeding, however, often is considered too fatiguing for premature infants. Researchers in Israel used a metabolic monitor to measure resting energy expenditure for 20 minutes immediately after bottle-feeding and …

Steps to Successfully Breastfeed the Premature Infant

The birth of a premature infant causes emotional upheaval for parents. They often wonder what they can do to help their infant during the critical newborn period. Providing breast milk is one of the most important physiologic benefits a mother can give her premature infant. The advantages of breast milk are numerous. It is the responsibility of those who care for premature infants and their families to provide parents with the support they need to supply the best possible nutrition for their infant. Breastfeeding a premature infant can challenge both the mother and her health care team, however. Infants should be assessed individually for readiness to proceed through the steps leading to successftil breastfeeding. From establishing a milk supply to putting the baby to the breast, parents rely on the nurse for information, instruction, and encouragement. This article identifies obstacles to breastfeeding the premature infant and offers a step-by-step approach for promoting successful breastfeeding in the NICU.

Human Immunodeficiency Virus and Artificial Feeding

Dr Halsey has brought to my attention that a sentence in the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection control statement (AAP News, September 1988) and perinatal statement (Pediatrics 1988;82:941-944) might be misinterpreted as advocating artificial feeding for HP/-infected infants in developing countries. It was our intention to advocate the use of artificial feeding by HIV-infected mothers only in the United States and other developed countries where safe water and hygienic practices are the norm. In other countries, the advantages of breast milk outweigh the possible risk of transmission to the newborn.

Infant feeding in developing countries: combating the multinationals imperative.

Methods used by baby food companies in seducing mothers away from breast feeding are well known: aggressive advertising campaigns offering of free samples of formulas and of powdered milk and enlisting the support of medical and paramedical personnel. These companies also managed to gain the support of the Western medical profession for bottle feeding over breast feeding; it is likewise possible that academics in the social sciences will be co-opted to increase the sale of artificial baby foods in developing countries. These academics will attempt to create more markets for multinationals of the baby food industry by declaring that women in developing countries want their products. The biochemical and immunological advantages of breast milk over cows milk and other formulas have been well documented; the economic factors in terms of the cost-benefit advantages of human milk especially in developing countries are obvious at a family and at a national level since much artificial milk has to be imported resulting in a loss of much needed capital in foreign exchange payments. There is ample documentation of the association of bottle feeding with increase in infant mortality due to lack of the necessary facilities and hygienic conditions; breast feeding can also contribute to postponing ovulation and therefore conception. In most Western societies a supportive figure for offering moral and psychological understanding to nursing mothers such as the doula in more traditional cultures is lacking and anxiety fear and stress are often associated with breast feeding. Also problems with breast feeding occur mainly in those societies where the breast has become a kind of sexual fetish and is not perceived as a functional object for the nurture of infants. Medical and paramedical personnel can play an important role in promoting breast feeding and infant nutrition education should be imparted to all expecting mothers.

American Medical Association concepts of nutrition and health. Council on Scientific Affairs.

Although human need for various nutrients is well-established, the exact requirements for the different nutrients are not well-known. Nutrient requirements are affected by genetics; environment; nature of the diet; and hemeostatic demands under changing physiological conditions expressed as growth, reproduction and response to the stress of injury or disease. Pregnant and lactating women should be properly nourished if well-nourished infants are desired. Nutrient and energy needs are considerably increased during pregnancy and lactation. The most rapid growth of infants occurs during the 1st 4 to 6 months of life. Because of the many advantages of breast milk over artificial milk, full-term newborn infants should be breastfed, unless there are specific contraindications or breastfeeding is unsuccessful. The American Medical Association (AMA) urges that better efforts be made to educate the public and the medical profession as to the advantages of breastfeeding. The 4th to the 6th months of life constitute the transitional period in infant feeding. The baby should be introduced to single-ingredient foods in small quantities, one at a time, to isolate food sensitivities. Good eating habits can be formed early in life through the proper and gradual introduction of varied and nutritional meal patterns. Energy balance is a nutritional problem in late childhood and once maturity is achieved, while calorically and nutritionally inadequate diets are a growing concern for the elderly. Immoderate eating habits (e.g., overeating) may aggravate or contribute to the development of degenerative diseases and should be discouraged. The AMA recommends that the American public focus on the achievement and maintenance of the most desirable body weight through a proper combination of dietary control and exercise. Specific dietary modifications (sodium restriction, weight control) are necessary in the management of hypertension, diabetes, coronary heart diseases and other medical problems. The medical profession should assume a more active role in teaching people how to achieve and maintain good health habits through behavioral modification.