BASIC CONCEPTS ON FOOD

AND NUTRITION
 SESSION
S
1. Understanding Food and Nutrition
Concepts
2. Malnutrition: Forms, Causes, and
Consequences
UNDERSTANDING FOOD AND
NUTRITION CONCEPTS
Activity 1
Defining Food, Nutrition and Other
Related Terms
Food
Any substance that
people eat and drink to
maintain life and growth
Nutrients
Substances obtained
from food and used by
the body to promote
growth, maintenance,
and repair of body
tissues
Nutrition
The science of food, diet
and health
Nutritional Status
Condition of the body
resulting from the intake,
absorption and utilization
of food
Malnutrition
A condition of the body
caused by sustained
deficiency, excess, or
imbalance of the supplies
of calories, nutrients, or
both that are available for
use in the body
Activity 2
Knowing the Nutrients
in the Food
• People need food to live

• The human body is not able to

produce essential nutrients.
 Classification of
Nutrients
Nutrients

Macronutrients Micronutrients

Carbohydrates Proteins Fats Vitamins Minerals

Fat-soluble Water-soluble Major Trace

 Water
1. Component of body fluids
2. For lubrication of joints
and moistening of the
eyes and mucous
membranes
3. For regulation of body
temperature removal of
waste products
THE FORGOTTEN NUTRIENT
WHAT IS PREGNANCY?
1. A pregnant women nourishes and bears a
new life for 280 days or 40 weeks or 9 months.
2. The Critical period during pregnancy is
between 2 to 8 weeks when the brain, heart,
liver, lungs, and other organs of the baby are
developed.
3. Pregnancy increases a woman’s nutritional
requirements because she needs to satisfy
her own nutritional needs and the growing
fetus who is completely dependent on her
nutrition.
4. Women’s first pregnancy should be after 20
years of age. Frequent and successive
pregnancies are discouraged as it puts the
woman risks.
5. Women need the support of the family,
community, and society in achieving good
health condition before (pre-natal), during,
and after (post-natal) pregnancy.
There are different problems experienced by
pregnant mothers. Some experience almost
all kinds of discomfort while others do not
feel any difficulty at all. Some of the changes
that happen during pregnancy include:
a. development and growth of fetus;
b. development of placenta (the organ of
pregnancy where maternal and fetal blood
circulate and the exchange of nutrients,
oxygen, and waste take place);
c. hormonal changers (responsible for nausea,
vomiting, skin and hair changes, among
others);
d. changes in blood volume and composition
(physiological anemia);
e. gastrointestinal changes(decreased
motility/movement which can cause
constipation);
f. weight changes (the normal weight gain
during the entire is pregnancy 8-10 kg); and
g. renal changes (increased frequency
urination).
Pre-natal care includes identifying high-risk
condition among pregnant women and
educating them about potential symptoms at
early stage and the necessary interventions
that can be implemented.
1. Every pregnant woman should have at least
four pre-natal care visits during pregnancy.
a) First visit- As early as possible before the
4th month or during the first trimester
b) Second visit – During the second trimester
c) Third visit – During the third trimester
d) Every 2 weeks – After 8th month of
pregnancy until delivery
2. Checking of vital signs (weight, blood
pressure, temperature, presence of pallor)
3. Abdominal examination
 check fundic height
 palpate fetal parts
 auscultate for fetal heart sounds (normal
for 5th months is 120-160/min.)
 breakfast examination
 neck examination for goiter
4. Micronutrient supplementation
a) Iron tablets given once a day as soon as
the pregnancy is known. At least 180
tablets should be taken for the whole
duration of pregnancy. The dose is 60 mg
elemental iron with 400-ug folic acid.
b) Low dose of Vitamin A given at 4th month of
pregnancy with a dose of 10,0000 IU, 1
tablet, twice a week.
5. Submit for tetanus toxoid immunization.
When pregnant mothers receive at least two
doses of tetanus toxoid TT immunization,
they protect their children against neonatal
tetanus. Five dose of TT immunization are
needed to protect a mother and her baby
against the disease, during her pregnancy
and for lifetime immunity.
TT1 At the 5th to 6th months of pregnancy

TT2 At least 4 weeks after TT1

TT3 At the 5th to 6th month of succeeding pregnancy

regardless of interval form previous pregnancy

TT4 At the 5th to 6th month of succeeding pregnancy

regardless of interval
TT5 At the 5th to 6th month of succeeding pregnancy
regardless of interval
3. Care during pregnancy is aimed at
providing safe delivery for pregnant
women either at home lying-in centers
equipped to response to emergencies.
4. The delivery of post natal care services is
aimed at preventing the occurrence
delivery)
1. Minimum of three post-natals visits (24
hours, 1 week, and 6 weeks after
delivery
b) Micro Nutrient Supplementation
1. Iron tables – give one tablet once a week
until ones gets pregnant again; dose is
60 mg elemental iron with falic acid 2.8
mg
2. Vitamin A – a dose of 200,000 IU within 1
month after delivery
3. The mothers are required to have following
schedule of post-partum check-up.
a) Home visit (a mother is given home visit
by health workers on week after
delivery)
b) Clinic visit (a mother is recommended to
have clinic visits 4-6 weeks after
delivery)
i. For each visit, several conditions are being
monitored for both mother and the baby to detect
any post-partum complication or birth defects
especially for those who delivered at home.
ii. For the mothers, the following are being checked:
checked: bleeding, infections, vital signs,
breastfeeding practices, post-partum counseling
(birth spacing, cord care, hygiene, nutrition).
iii. For the newborn, the following are observed:
sucking reflex, breastfeeding practices and
problems, umbilical stump for bleeding and
infection, jaundice, and pallor.
DESCRIBING THE MALNUTRITION
PROBLEMS AFFECTING
PREGNANT WOMEN
a. Pregnant women who underweight have an
increased risk of giving birth to premature babies
with low birth weight. It can also lead to further
worsening of the nutritional status of the mother.
b. Pregnant women can also suffer from anemia. An
anemic woman is more likely to bleed severely or
become very ill and die during delivery. It is
estimated that 20% of maternal mortality is due
directly or indirectly to anemia. Moreover, her baby is
more likely to have low birth weight and become sick
or die during early childhood.
c. Vitamin A deficiency disorder (VADD) during
pregnancy may result to low stores of Vitamin
A in the newborn, reduced content of Vitamin
A in breast milk, and maternal mortality.
d. Iodine deficiency disorder (IDD) during
pregnancy can cause spontaneous abortions,
stillbirths, and infant deaths. It can also affect
the brain development of the baby thus
making the baby’s intellectual Quotient (IQ)
low.
IDENTFYING THE NUTRITION-
RELATED AND HEALTH
CONCERNS OF PREGNANT
WOMEN
Problems with Nutritional Implications and its
Management during Pregnancy
Problems with nutritional Management
implication

1. Mild nausea and vomiting or When waking up, get up slowly

morning sickness Eat dry toast or crackers
Chew gum or take hard candies
Eat small, frequent meal whenever
you feel hungry
Avoid food with strong or offensive
odors

2. Loss of appetite Give foods with high carbohydrate

Give small frequent meals
Take in fluids in between meals
Problems with nutritional implication Management
4. Hemorrhoids Sufficient rest
Follow same dietary
recommendations under
constipations

5. Heartburn (burning sensation in Relax and eat slowly; chew food

the chest) thoroughly
Provide a series of small meals
Avoid large meals at any time
Avoid spicy and fried foods
Do not eat or drink just before
sleeping
Problems with nutritional implication
6. Anemia
7. Gestational diabetes (pregnancy-
related form of diabetes)
8. Hypertension during pregnancy
9. Edema
Management
Iron supplementation
Eat foods rich in iron and protein
Monitor and control blood sugar
Consult healthcare provider
Monitor and control blood pressure
Consult healthcare provider
Drink plenty of water
Avoid consuming excessive salt
Do light exercise like walking
Avoid consuming excessive salt
Do light exercise like walking
Avoid sitting or standing for a long
time since it causes fluids to collect in
the lower parts of the body such as
legs and feet
Avoid wearing high heels, too tight
socks and shoes
DEFINING LACTATION AND
BREASTFEEDING
a. Lactation naturally follows pregnancy and is an
automatic process that practically all mothers are
capable of doing.
b. Breastfeeding is the production and secretion of
milk from breasts of a mother to nourish a baby. It
is learned behavior that all mothers should decide
to do since they can successfully breastfeed and
produce enough milk.
ENUMERATING THE BENEFITS OF
BREASTFEEDING
a. Benefits of Breastfeeding to the baby
1. Breastmilk is the only food and drink the baby needs
from birth up to six months of age because it has the
necessary nutrients to help the baby grow. Also,
breastmilk can be easily digested and absorbed by the
baby.
2. Breastmilk gives protection against illness especially
when colostrum is consumed. Colostrum is the thick and
yellowish substance from the breast produced in the first
few days after birth. It contains anti bodies that protect
the babies against infections, allergies and diseases
resulting to less frequent or less severe infections.
b. Benefits of Breastfeeding to the mother
1. Aids in the contraction of the uterus to normal size and
prevents post-delivery bleeding
2. Provides a natural contraceptive, therefore helps in the
child spacing allowing the mother’s body to “recover”
from the demands of pregnancy
3. Lower risk of breast and ovarian cancers
4. Does not add to the chores of the mother since there
are no bottles to be washed and sterilized and no milk
formulas to prepare
c. Benefits of Breastfeeding to both baby and mother
1. Helps establish and strengthen emotional bond between
baby and mother
2. Mother feels satisfied feeding the baby and in turn the
baby feels secure
d. Benefits of breastfeeding to the family
1. Saves money that would otherwise be used for buying
milk formula, feeding bottles, fuel and among others
2. Promotes family bonding
e. Benefits of Breastfeeding to the community
1. Helps in developing healthy children and, eventually,
healthy adults who can contribute to national
development
2. Saves money that would have, otherwise, be used for
medical services of sick chidren
 UNDERSTANDING OPTIMAL
BREASTFEEDING PRACTICES
a. Mothers prepares for breastfeeding
1. Preparing for breastfeeding is an emotional and not
merely physical act. Deciding to breastfeed the baby is
the most important gift a mother can give to the future
generation
2. A mother who wishes to breastfeed her baby should
have an environment with supportive people who knows
about breastfeeding, and believes that it will benefit her
and the baby. The support can come from the husband
or partner, mother in law, other family member, and
friends.
3. A mother who wishes to breastfeed her baby should
prepare for nursing bras or pads and clothes that are
suitable for the breastfeeding sessions.
b. Mothers “pulling out “ flat or inverted nipples
1. Mother can still breastfeed even though they have flat or
inverted nipples
2. Prior giving birth, mothers shall press her nipples and
pull them gently. This must be done for several minutes
everyday, Mothers may also use a syringe to pull the
nipples.
c. Mother initiates breastfeeding within an hour after
birth
1. Colostrum is considered as the baby’s “first vaccine”
which protects the baby from infections and diseases
2. Breastfeeding aids in the rapid withdrawal of the
placenta and lessens blood loss.
3. Breastfeeding helps to remove meconium which is the
baby’s first tool.
4. Breastfeeding initiated after birth stimulates breastmilk
production.
5. Breastfeeding keeps the newly born baby warm
through skin-to-skin contact.
d. Mother positions and attaches baby correctly at
the breast
1. Correct positioning and attachment (also known as
latch-on) helps prevent sore or cracked nipples and
stimulates milk production
2. Signs that the baby is properly positioned
a) The baby’s whole body is facing the mother and is close to
her.
b) The mother holds the baby’s entire body, not just the neck
and shoulders
3. Signs that the baby is properly attached
a) The mothers bring toward her breast, not the breast
toward her baby.
b) The baby’s mouth is open wide.
c) The baby’s lips are curled outwards.
d) The baby’s chin touches the mothers breast.
e) The mother’s entire nipple and a good portion of the
areola, dark skin around the nipple) are in the baby’s
mouth.
e. Mothers allow the baby to release the first breast
before offering the second breast
The baby receive both “fore” milk, which has a high
water content to quench thirst and “hind” milk, which
is rich in fats and nutrients to satisfy hunger.
f. Mother breastfeeds frequently, day and night
1) The mother allows her baby to breastfeed on demand
(as often as the baby wants), feeding every 2 to 3
hours (8 to 12 times in 24 hours) or more frequently,
especially in the early months.
2) Frequent breastfeeding increases production.
g. Mother gives breastmilk only to her baby for the first 6
months
1. Breastmilk contains all the nutrients and water that a baby
needs to satisfy hunger and thirst.
2. Breastfed babies are unlikely to experience diarrhea and
respiratory and ear infections.
3. Exclusive breastfeeding helps control birth spacing by
delaying the return of fertility.
h. Mother continues to breastfeed when she or her baby
is sick
1. A mother who has a cold, flu, or diarrhea may continue to
breastfeed her baby. The mother shall cover her mouth
while breastfeeding to prevent transmission of disease.
2. If her baby is sick, the mother may continue
breastfeeding or express her milk if the baby has
difficulty in breastfeeding. This will help the baby to
recover faster.
3. Breastmilk is easily digestible and replaces the water
nutrients lost through frequent loose stools.
i. Mother does not give her breastfeed baby with
feeding bottles and pacifiers
Feeding bottles and pacifiers can interfere with
breastfeeding. The preparations for bottle feeding
may result to contamination that can cause diarrhea
and other common infections.
j. Mother eats more meals than usual and eats a
varied diet including vegetables and fruits.
This gives the mother extra calories and nutrients she
needs as breastfeeding requires more energy.
k. Mother adds complementary food to breastmilk
when the baby reaches to 6 months old
Breastmilk is no longer enough to meet the
requirements of infants starting 6 months. Hence,
complementary foods are given to the baby. The
quantity, frequency, and density of complementary
food must be carefully planned to ensure good
nutrition.
l. Mother continues breastfeeding until the child is 2
or more years old
Breastmilk continues to provide an important source
of energy and nutrients to the child in addition to food
intake at age 2 years old and beyond
m. Mother express breastmilk
1) Prepare a very clean container
2) Wash hands with soap and water
3) Put the cup on the table or hold it in one hand to
collect the expressed breastmilk.
4) Lean forward and support the breast with your hand.
5) Put you thumb on the areola above the nipple
between the finger and the thumb.
6) Press the thumb and forefinger inward towards the
chest wall a little way.
7) Press and release, press and release. At first, no milk
may come but after the mother have pressed a few
times; milk will start to drip out.
8) Press the areola in the same way from the sides to
make sure that milk is expressed from all parts of the
breast
9) Put the expressed milk in the coolest place in the
house, either in the refrigerator or in a shaded place
and cover it properly.
a. Refrigerated milk is good for 24 hours.
b. Expressed breastmilk can last for 2 weeks in the freezer
compartment of the refrigerator, 3 months in freezer
section or refrigerator with separate door, and 6-12 months
in deep freeze (-18*c or lower).
c. Unrefrigerated breastmilk can be stored at room
temperature at least 8 hours without getting spoiled.
n. Mother finds way to keep giving breastmilk when she
has to be away from home
1. If the mother is going to leave the house for a short time,
she should fed the baby before she leaves.
2. She should make arrangements for another mother to
breastfeed her baby, or the mother can express some
milk ahead of time in a sterilized container and leave it
with a responsible person who will feed it to the baby.
Thank you 