Book review

Review by Gemma Ransome, Specialist Dietitian, Paediatric Intensive Care/ Cardiology, The Harley Street Clinic

iNfANt, ChiLd ANd AdoLeSCeNt NUtritioN: A Practical handbook

By Judy More CrC Press; 1 edition (22 Jan. 2013) isBn- 978-1444111859 - Cat# k18762 PaPerBaCk £19.99

Judy More is a registered dietitian who has specialised in paediatric nutrition for over 15 years. Here she has written an evidence-based and concise guide to the key principles of paediatric dietetics, in which she explains the theory behind the basics of a balanced and nutritious diet and describes growth and development throughout childhood.

The book covers nutrition from preconception to adolescence up to the age of 18. It addresses some of the common nutritional and feeding problems at different stages of a child’s development. The cultural, physical, emotional, social and psychological factors that may play a part in why feeding can be challenging are also considered and discussed.

A section devoted to the social and cultural influences on food choices provides information about common food traditions within different religions and geographical regions. This is particularly useful to those working with diverse ethnic populations. Other highlights include the section on breastfeeding which is covered in more detail than most dietetic texts. There is an example of a feeding routine and tips for good positioning and attachment. The obesity section is a useful tool for health professionals seeing overweight and obese children in the community, recommending discussion points to explore with a family. Throughout there is plenty of practical advice, examples and reference information in easy-to-read tables and illustrations. The text includes case studies, key points and activities to help readers learn.

My only criticism is that the topics in the last section covering nutrition for children with chronic diseases and syndromes, are too complex to set out and fully explain in 15 pages. Although this section acts as an introduction to chronic diseases and specific conditions, the content should not be relied on by healthcare professionals to provide nutritional advice to parents.

This book would be useful to nutrition and dietetics students requiring an overview of nutrition and development for children aged 0 to 18 years. It may also be interesting reading for other healthcare professionals involved in the nutritional health of children in primary care and community settings. This text would certainly be useful to those working in food provision and meal planning in childcare settings. Although the preface describes this book as helpful to parents, the language used and textbook style of writing makes it less accessible to the general public. Instead, healthcare professionals could use the tips and examples in this book as a base to help parents manage meal time behaviour and to suggest suitable nutritious meals and snacks.