The U.S. Department of Agriculture and U.S. Department of Health & Human Services recently released their Dietary Guidelines for Americans for 2020-2025.
Jamie Stang, who was a member of the advisory committee that informed the new guidelines, is available to speak about updated recommendations for infants and early childhood along with recommended dietary patterns.
Jamie Stang, Ph.D.
On recommendations for infants and young children
“Nutrition during the first 1,000 days of life is critical for supporting optimal cognitive and physical development and for establishing food preferences and healthy eating patterns for the rest of a child's life. New dietary patterns for children 12-24 months of age are available to guide health professionals and caregivers to make sure every bite counts.
“Infants should be fed human milk exclusively during the first 6 months of life and should receive vitamin D supplements soon after birth. As solid foods are started, be sure to provide good sources of iron and zinc.
“Infants should be exposed to potentially allergenic foods, including eggs and peanuts, between 6 and 11 months of life, unless their pediatric care provider recommends against it. Timely introduction of small amounts of potential allergens may reduce the incidence of food allergies in children.”
On recommended food patterns
“The 3 food patterns recommended by the Dietary Guidelines for Americans — the Healthy US-Style Pattern, the Mediterranean-Style Pattern and the Healthy Vegetarian-Style Pattern — can meet the needs of all Americans. They can be customized to meet personal preferences, cultural/religious traditions and budgetary considerations.”
Jamie Stang, Ph.D., MPH, RDN, is an associate professor in the School of Public Health. Her areas of expertise include food and nutrition, women's health, maternal and child health nutrition, gestational diabetes, maternal weight gain and pre-pregnancy obesity.
Contact:
Jamie Stang
[email protected]
Download a high resolution photo of Jamie Stang.
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