1. NESTLÉ HEALTH SCIENCE
  2. HEALTH MANAGEMENT
  3. PEDIATRICS
  4. GI IMPAIRMENT
Gastrointestinal Impairment
Gastrointestinal impairment (GI) can range from reflux to constipation, and vary greatly in terms of severity and timescale. What is sure, however, is that appropriate nutritional therapy can play a key role in improving the overall condition and quality of life of the child.1,3

Pediatric gastrointestinal impairment refers to a range of disorders that can affect any part of the digestive tract, from the esophagus and stomach to the small intestine, colon and rectum.2

Common GI disorders that cause impairment include: gastro-esophageal reflux (GERD), acute or chronic diarrhea, constipation, cow or soy milk allergy/intolerance among others. Although it can be concerning, in many cases, the symptoms associated with these disorders can be managed with nutritional therapy alone, for example in the case of GERD.
1,2,4

The GI tract is responsible for the digestion of the food we eat. When children suffer from GI impairment, there is often a risk for malabsorption or maldigestion, which may lead to nutritional deficiencies.3 It is for this reason that a specific focus is placed on the nutritional status of these children, as optimum nutrient intake has been shown to support normal growth and development as well as improve the overall condition. For example, with children in critical care, appropriate nutrient intake is linked to a better recovery and shorter length of hospital stay.3

At Nestlé Health Science, we are committed to providing nutritional therapies that are tailored to the individual needs of the child. In the case of infants and children with GI impairment, these needs are very specific to the condition, which is why we have a range of different solutions to fulfil a variety of nutritional requirements, and an optimized taste to facilitate acceptance.


1. http://s3.gi.org/patients/gihealth/pdf/pediatric.pdf. Accessed December 2014.
2. http://www.theportlandhospital.com/children/specialties/gastroenterology/. Accessed December 2014.
3. http://www.nestlenutrition-institute.org/News/Pages/Nutritional-management-of-children-with-gastrointestinal-Impairment%E2%80%93key-to-clinical-outcome.aspx. Accessed December 2014.
4. http://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/health-topics/digestive-diseases/ger-and-gerd-in-infants/Pages/facts.aspx. Accessed December 2014.

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Reflux affects over 50%
of all babies
in the first 3 months of life.


The good news is that the symptoms can often be reduced with feeding changes.

Source: http://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/health-topics/digestive-diseases/ger-and-gerd-in-infants/Pages/facts.aspx. Accessed December 2014.

Follow normal bedtime routines

FOLLOW NORMAL BEDTIME ROUTINES

Sleep is key both for infants and their parents. Establishing a normal bedtime routine and following it nightly plays an important role in getting adequate sleep. In infants with gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD), rocking them to sleep in an upright position can help soothe them and minimize symptoms.


Source: http://www.healthline.com/health/gerd/infants-sleeping. Accessed December 2014.

Keep things moving

KEEP THINGS MOVNG

All kinds of things may cause constipation in children. It could be potty-training stress, lack of fluids or poor bowel habits among others. If, however, a child has not had at least one bowel movement every other day, or if movements are painful and more than normal pushing is needed or there is blood in the stool, it may be worth going to see a paediatrician.


Source: http://www.webmd.com/children/features/digestive-doctor. Accessed December 2014.

Always seek advice

ALWAYS SEEK ADVICE

Digestive symptoms such as diarrhea, constipation or reflux are common in children and are often harmless. It is understandable that changing their diet is often the first port of call. If symptoms last longer than usual, or if the weight loss occurs however, it is important to seek medical advice before making any significant changes to a child’s diet.


Source: http://www.webmd.com/children/features/digestive-doctor. Accessed December 2014.

The Nestlé Health Science range of tailor-made nutritional solutions
Follow normal bedtime routines

FOLLOW NORMAL BEDTIME ROUTINES

Sleep is key both for infants and their parents. Establishing a normal bedtime routine and following it nightly plays an important role in getting adequate sleep. In infants with gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD), rocking them to sleep in an upright position can help soothe them and minimize symptoms.


Source: http://www.healthline.com/health/gerd/infants-sleeping. Accessed December 2014.

Keep things moving

KEEP THINGS MOVNG

All kinds of things may cause constipation in children. It could be potty-training stress, lack of fluids or poor bowel habits among others. If, however, a child has not had at least one bowel movement every other day, or if movements are painful and more than normal pushing is needed or there is blood in the stool, it may be worth going to see a paediatrician.


Source: http://www.webmd.com/children/features/digestive-doctor. Accessed December 2014.

Always seek advice

ALWAYS SEEK ADVICE

Digestive symptoms such as diarrhea, constipation or reflux are common in children and are often harmless. It is understandable that changing their diet is often the first port of call. If symptoms last longer than usual, or if the weight loss occurs however, it is important to seek medical advice before making any significant changes to a child’s diet.


Source: http://www.webmd.com/children/features/digestive-doctor. Accessed December 2014.

Health Management
Gastrointestinal Impairment
Gastrointestinal impairment (GI) can range from reflux to constipation, and vary greatly in terms of severity and timescale. What is sure, however, is that appropriate nutritional therapy can play a key role in improving the overall condition and quality of life of the child.1,3

Pediatric gastrointestinal impairment refers to a range of disorders that can affect any part of the digestive tract, from the esophagus and stomach to the small intestine, colon and rectum.2

Common GI disorders that cause impairment include: gastro-esophageal reflux (GERD), acute or chronic diarrhea, constipation, cow or soy milk allergy/intolerance among others. Although it can be concerning, in many cases, the symptoms associated with these disorders can be managed with nutritional therapy alone, for example in the case of GERD.
1,2,4

The GI tract is responsible for the digestion of the food we eat. When children suffer from GI impairment, there is often a risk for malabsorption or maldigestion, which may lead to nutritional deficiencies.3 It is for this reason that a specific focus is placed on the nutritional status of these children, as optimum nutrient intake has been shown to support normal growth and development as well as improve the overall condition. For example, with children in critical care, appropriate nutrient intake is linked to a better recovery and shorter length of hospital stay.3

At Nestlé Health Science, we are committed to providing nutritional therapies that are tailored to the individual needs of the child. In the case of infants and children with GI impairment, these needs are very specific to the condition, which is why we have a range of different solutions to fulfil a variety of nutritional requirements, and an optimized taste to facilitate acceptance.


1. http://s3.gi.org/patients/gihealth/pdf/pediatric.pdf. Accessed December 2014.
2. http://www.theportlandhospital.com/children/specialties/gastroenterology/. Accessed December 2014.
3. http://www.nestlenutrition-institute.org/News/Pages/Nutritional-management-of-children-with-gastrointestinal-Impairment%E2%80%93key-to-clinical-outcome.aspx. Accessed December 2014.
4. http://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/health-topics/digestive-diseases/ger-and-gerd-in-infants/Pages/facts.aspx. Accessed December 2014.

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Health Care