Editing Human nutrition (section)

=== Infant and young child feeding ===
Improvement of breast feeding practices, like early initiation and exclusive breast feeding for the first two years of life, could save the lives of 1.5 million children annually.<ref name=ENA7>{{cite journal | vauthors=Jones G, Steketee RW, Black RE, Bhutta ZA, Morris SS | title=How many child deaths can we prevent this year? | journal=Lancet | volume=362 | issue=9377 | pages=65–71 | date=July 2003 | pmid=12853204 | doi=10.1016/S0140-6736(03)13811-1 | author6=Bellagio Child Survival Study Group | s2cid=17908665}}</ref> Nutrition interventions targeted at infants aged 0–5 months first encourages early initiation of breastfeeding.<ref name="Essential Nutrition Actions" /> Though the relationship between early initiation of breast feeding and improved health outcomes has not been formally established, a recent study in [[Ghana]] suggests a causal relationship between early initiation and reduced infection-caused neo-natal deaths.<ref name="Essential Nutrition Actions" /> Also, experts promote exclusive breastfeeding, rather than using formula, which has shown to promote optimal growth, development, and health of infants.<ref name=ENA2P7>WHO. Report of the expert consultation on the optimal duration of exclusive breastfeeding. Geneva, WHO, 2001.{{page needed|date=November 2013}}</ref> Exclusive breastfeeding often indicates nutritional status because infants that consume breast milk are more likely to receive all adequate nourishment and nutrients that will aid their developing body and immune system. This leaves children less likely to contract diarrheal diseases and respiratory infections.<ref name="Progress for Children" />

Besides the quality and frequency of breastfeeding, the nutritional status of mothers affects infant health. When mothers do not receive proper nutrition, it threatens the wellness and potential of their children.<ref name="Progress for Children" /> Well-nourished women are less likely to experience risks of birth and are more likely to deliver children who will develop well physically and mentally.<ref name="Progress for Children" /> Maternal undernutrition increases the chances of low-birth weight, which can increase the risk of infections and asphyxia in fetuses, increasing the probability of neonatal deaths.<ref name=ENA23>{{cite journal | vauthors=Ramakrishnan U, Yip R | title=Experiences and challenges in industrialized countries: control of iron deficiency in industrialized countries | journal=The Journal of Nutrition | volume=132 | issue=4 Suppl | pages=820S–4S | date=April 2002 | pmid=11925488 | doi=10.1093/jn/132.4.820S | doi-access=free}}</ref> Growth failure during intrauterine conditions, associated with improper mother nutrition, can contribute to lifelong health complications.<ref name="Essential Nutrition Actions" /> Approximately 13 million children are born with [[intrauterine growth restriction]] annually.<ref name=ENA2>{{cite journal | vauthors=Black RE, Allen LH, Bhutta ZA, Caulfield LE, de Onis M, Ezzati M, Mathers C, Rivera J | title=Maternal and child undernutrition: global and regional exposures and health consequences | journal=Lancet | volume=371 | issue=9608 | pages=243–60 | date=January 2008 | pmid=18207566 | doi=10.1016/S0140-6736(07)61690-0 | s2cid=3910132}}</ref>