Basic nutrition science is the cornerstone of a "balanced diet." These articles provide an introduction to some of the essential nutrients—protein, fat, and carbohydrates—as well as an overview of early childhood nutrition.
These articles describe the role of these nutrients in the body, including their action, interaction, and balance in relation to health and disease. Common food sources are also identified.
This information can be used to better understand nutrition science and will support your discussions with parents on their child's nutrition needs. Knowing the science behind the foods will also give better perspective to new "hot topics" such as inclusion of DHA in the infant's diet, the need for a daily vitamin and mineral supplement, or how much vitamin D is recommended, and why.