The early stages of life, from conception to toddlerhood, are a period of rapid growth and development. Research into this period is known as ‘Early Life Science’ and current evidence indicates that environmental factors, including nutrition, have a major influence on a child’s lifelong health¹`²`³.
But staying up to date with this ever-evolving field of Early Life Science, presents obvious challenges for healthcare professionals who are helping mums, during the all-important first 1,000 days.
“Every doctor understands the importance of early life nutrition, both for mother and baby, but being able to lean on science and research to better support our understanding of the ever changing demands of infant nutrition, and particularly the development of allergies and other issues, is not always easy,” Dr. Josh, a GP from Islington, explains.
“No modern doctor can stand still. One of the crucial roles of a modern doctor is to listen, read and understand the plethora of resources available — and determine which ones are suitable to use in your daily practice. It’s almost an open source mentality that is taking over.”
At Nutricia Early Life Nutrition, science is at the heart of our nutrition and health commitment to help healthcare professionals support mums during the first 1,000 days. Our research and innovation delivers evidence-based nutritional solutions to support a child’s lifelong health, combining our Early Life Nutrition expertise with years of professional experience to develop a portfolio of products to support the nutritional needs of mums, mums-to-be and their babies.
During the first 1,000 days of an infant’s life — from conception until they are two years old — their organs and body systems are rapidly growing and are still very flexible and responsive to nutritional influences⁴. The first 1,000 days represent a unique window of opportunity for determining an infant’s lifelong future health, which is why we have created a series of guides, e-modules, and other resources to help healthcare professionals support their patients during this critical period of care.
In addition to our research-based guides, we have a dedicated team of professional experts on hand to answer any feeding-related queries that healthcare professionals may have. Our free healthcare professional helpline is open from 8am to 8pm, Monday to Friday. Just phone 0800 996 1234 for expert advice on infant feeding and nutrition, including common infant feeding problems such as cows’ milk allergy, colic, constipation and reflux.
“We take calls from GPs, nutritionists, dietitians, midwives, health visitors…”
If you are looking for details on how to contact your local Nutricia Early Life Nutrition Solutions Manager, please phone 0800 996 1234 or head to Eln.Nutricia.co.uk.
Laura, part of the Solutions team at Nutricia ELN, explains: “We are here to help healthcare professionals help mums. From our science and research behind Early Life Nutrition we know that every human is different, will develop at different rates and need different attention — particularly when it comes to the development of allergies. We know that helping mums-to-be and babies get the right nutrition during the four ‘windows of opportunity’ — pregnancy, breastfeeding, infant feeding and toddler feeding — can positively influence short- and long-term health outcomes. And that’s what we are here to do by developing this relationship with doctors.”
IMPORTANT NOTICE: Breastfeeding is best for babies. Infant formula is suitable from birth when babies are not breastfed. Follow-on milk is only for babies over 6 months, as part of a mixed diet and should not be used as a breastmilk substitute before 6 months. We advise that all formula milks including the decision to start weaning should be made on the advice of a doctor, midwife, health visitor, public health nurse, dietitian, pharmacist or other professional responsible for maternal and child care. Foods for special medical purposes should only be used under medical supervision. May be suitable for use as the sole source of nutrition for infants from birth, and/or as part of a balanced diet from 6–12 months. Refer to label for details.
