Pediatric & Geriatric Nutrition Flashcards

What is the recommended protein intake (g/kg/day) for a healthy older adult (>65 years) to preserve muscle mass?

Answer: 1.0–1.2 g/kg/day

Research supports 1.0–1.2 g/kg/day of protein for older adults to counter anabolic resistance and preserve lean body mass.

A breastfed infant whose mother follows a strict vegan diet is at risk for deficiency of which vitamin that requires supplementation?

Answer: Vitamin B12

Vitamin B12 is found almost exclusively in animal products; vegan mothers have low B12 in breast milk, putting infants at risk for neurological damage.

Which dietary modification is first-line for an older adult with dysphagia at risk of aspiration?

Answer: Texture-modified foods and thickened liquids per IDDSI framework

The IDDSI (International Dysphagia Diet Standardisation Initiative) framework provides evidence-based texture and liquid modification levels to reduce aspiration risk.

Failure to thrive (FTT) in a 9-month-old is most commonly caused by:

Answer: Inadequate caloric intake

The majority of FTT cases are non-organic and result from inadequate caloric intake due to feeding difficulties, psychosocial issues, or improper formula preparation.

Which nutrient deficiency is a major risk in elderly patients taking long-term proton pump inhibitors (PPIs)?

Answer: Vitamin B12

PPIs reduce gastric acid secretion needed to cleave B12 from food proteins, impairing absorption and leading to deficiency over time.

At what age does the American Academy of Pediatrics recommend introducing peanut-containing foods to high-risk infants (with severe eczema or egg allergy) to prevent peanut allergy?

Answer: 4–6 months

Based on the LEAP trial, early introduction of peanuts at 4–6 months in high-risk infants significantly reduces the risk of developing peanut allergy.

An 85-year-old with decreased appetite and 10% unintentional weight loss over 6 months meets criteria for which nutritional condition?

Answer: Severe malnutrition

Per ASPEN/AND consensus, unintentional weight loss ≥5% in 1 month or ≥10% in 6 months with reduced intake meets criteria for severe malnutrition in older adults.