摘要：A healthy organism requires a process of continued harmonious growth and
development, starting from the intrauterine life, the environment in which it belongs,
the educational level and the quality of the diet, representing the determinants of
health. Nutrition and nurturing during the fi rst years of life are both crucial for
life-long health and well-being. Breastfeeding represents the gold standard for
infant nutrition, with short-term and long-term benefi ts. Besides its “ideal food”
status, is an important source of comfort and safety for the baby; if breastfeeding
is not possible, the milk formula that the infant receives must be according to
its particularities. Inappropriate complementary foods or failure to introduce
complementary foods by 6 months of age plays an important role in changing the
nutritional status. Inappropriate nutrition at the beginning of life has an impact on health in the long term over generations. Improving nutrition during the fi rst
1,000 critical days can prevent much of the serious and irreparable damage caused
by hunger and malnutrition. On the other hand, prevention measures of childhood
and adult obesity should start during this period, too. Adequate nutrition for
adolescent girls and pregnant women is essential for growth and healthy physical
and mental development of young children and for the long-term prevention of
chronic diseases and premature death.
关键词：early nutrition; the fi rst 1;000 days; healthy development;
malnutrition;
