Advances in Neonatal and Pediatric Nutrition

Malnutrition remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality in children worldwide. This session reviews global data trends, with a focus on undernutrition, stunting, and wasting in low-resource regions. Presenters will explore socioeconomic and healthcare system factors driving disparities. The discussion includes strategies from WHO and UNICEF interventions. Real-world case studies will inform scalable action plans.

Breastfeeding is the cornerstone of early nutrition and immune protection. This track focuses on best practices in breastfeeding support, lactation counseling, and maternal nutrition education. Sessions will also address breastfeeding challenges in hospital and community settings. Attention will be given to maternal micronutrient deficiencies and their effects on breast milk quality. Policy-based approaches to improve breastfeeding rates will be explored.

Iron, zinc, vitamin A, and iodine deficiencies continue to affect millions of children. This session discusses detection, prevention, and treatment of key micronutrient deficiencies in infants and toddlers. Clinical guidelines and supplementation programs will be reviewed. Panelists will explore biofortification and food fortification efforts. Research updates on the long-term effects of early deficiencies will be featured.

Premature and low birth weight infants face unique nutritional challenges. This track covers customized feeding regimens, including parenteral and enteral nutrition. Experts will discuss growth monitoring, nutrient fortification, and long-term neurodevelopmental outcomes. Neonatal ICU nutrition protocols and innovations will be showcased. Collaborative care involving neonatologists, dietitians, and lactation consultants will be emphasized.

Rising rates of pediatric obesity are leading to early onset metabolic conditions. This session explores dietary interventions, lifestyle modification programs, and school-based nutrition education. Presentations will cover insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, and NAFLD in children. Tools for early detection and family-centered approaches will be highlighted. Policy-driven solutions for reducing childhood obesity will also be discussed.

Children with chronic illnesses require specialized nutrition plans. This track focuses on managing nutrition in conditions like cystic fibrosis, congenital heart disease, and renal disorders. Dietitians and pediatricians will present interdisciplinary case studies. Enteral and supplemental feeding solutions will be shared. The role of nutrition in improving disease outcomes and quality of life will be underscored.

Feeding difficulties in infants and children can impact growth and development. This session will explore sensory, behavioral, and medical causes of feeding issues. Therapies and feeding strategies from occupational therapists and pediatric dietitians will be highlighted. Case studies involving picky eating, oral aversion, and tube weaning will be reviewed. Family education and psychological support approaches will also be discussed.

Nutrition plays a crucial role in brain development during early childhood. This session highlights key nutrients involved in cognitive growth and developmental milestones. Research linking nutrition with learning outcomes, behavior, and autism spectrum disorders will be presented. Interventions during the first 1,000 days of life will be emphasized. Global programs aimed at reducing neurodevelopmental delays will be reviewed.

Food allergies and intolerances are on the rise in pediatric populations. This track discusses diagnosis, allergen avoidance, and nutritional balance in elimination diets. Experts will cover cow’s milk protein allergy, celiac disease, and FPIES. Presentations will include family education tools and school-based allergy management. Research into prevention strategies, including early allergen introduction, will also be discussed.