Category: Infant development

According to extensive research, newborn humans universally prefer the taste of sweet over bitter or sour. This innate biological response directly impacts what flavor do humans crave when born, playing a crucial role in survival by signaling safe and nutrient-rich food sources. The preference is evident even hours after birth, with infants displaying relaxed, satisfied facial expressions when given sweet solutions.

DHA and ARA are two long-chain fatty acids that are vital for infant growth and development, playing significant and complementary roles in the body. While both are crucial for neural and visual development, DHA is an omega-3 acid, while ARA is an omega-6 acid, representing a fundamental distinction in their biochemical pathways and primary functions.

Comprising approximately 50-60% of the energy in human milk, lipids are far more than just a source of calories for infants. Beyond their high energy content, lipids in milk deliver essential fatty acids and bioactive compounds that are critical for neonatal growth, brain development, and immune function. Understanding why are lipids in milk important reveals a complex biological system designed for optimal early-life health.

A newborn requires approximately 100-120 kcal/kg/day, a significantly higher energy intake per unit of body weight than at any other point in the human life cycle. This intense demand confirms that infancy is the life stage where energy requirements per pound of body weight are the highest, a fact driven by explosive growth and rapid development.

Breast milk is widely recognized as the optimal source of nutrition for infants, providing a complex blend of nutrients essential for growth and development [1]. However, questions sometimes arise about whether breast milk affects muscle growth, particularly regarding its potential impact on both infants and adults.

The baby's heart begins to beat as early as the seventh week of pregnancy, underscoring the critical role of maternal nutrition right from the start. A balanced and nutrient-rich diet is therefore essential for understanding what to eat to strengthen baby heart throughout this delicate developmental period and into early childhood.