Nutrition, growth and development of the child

This short course will include normal control of fetal growth and disorders of growth pre-birth. There will be significant emphasis on exploring the genetic and environmental influences on growth before birth. Normal patterns of infant growth will be explored as well as common disorders, including behavioural feeding problems. Faltering and excess weight gain will be discussed.

The influence of allergy and food intolerance as a growth problem will be looked at from an epidemiological, immunological and clinical standpoint. The course will cover hormonal control of growth throughout childhood and important disorders. Specific nutritional problems common in infancy- Vitamin D, iron deficiency and the public health aspects of common disorders of infant and child nutrition will be explored as well as control of puberty and common variants and the investigation of abnormalities of growth throughout childhood.

The course is part of a range of short courses spread throughout the academic year which are available both to students who are enrolled on the MSc in paediatrics and child health and as stand-alone CPD accredited programmes for all healthcare professionals. The courses are offered in line with level 3 of the RCPCH curriculum.

Module leaders