Role of animal and plant protein on child health outcomes

Authors: CHANDRASHEKAR, RANJITHA - University Of Oklahoma; MULAKALA, BHARATH - Texas A&M Agricultural Experiment Station; Rearick, Jolene; COLLADO, MARIA - Institute Of Agrochemistry And Food Technology; Yeruva, Laxmi

Submitted to: Book Chapter
Publication Type: Book / Chapter
Publication Acceptance Date: 4/24/2024
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary: Exclusive breastfeeding has been recommended for 6 months by World Health Organization (WHO), American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), U.S. Dietary guidelines for Americans and, by the European Member states. However, under certain circumstance plant or cow’s milk-based formula diet serves as alternate source of nutrition to an infant. The chapter summarizes the literature on animal versus plant protein intake during neonatal period and highlights the possible benefits of animal source protein consumption in child’s growth and development, metabolism, and cognitive development. It is ideal to have a balanced combination of plant-based and animal source foods to provide sustainable and culturally acceptable nutritional support for children.

Technical Abstract: Exclusive breastfeeding has been recommended for 6 months by World Health Organization (WHO), American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), U.S. Dietary guidelines for Americans and, by the European Member states. However, under certain circumstance plant or cow’s milk-based formula diet serves as alternate source of nutrition to an infant. The chapter summarizes the literature on animal versus plant protein intake during neonatal period and highlights the possible benefits of animal source protein consumption in child’s growth and development, metabolism, and cognitive development. It is ideal to have a balanced combination of plant-based and animal source foods to provide sustainable and culturally acceptable nutritional support for children.