Nestlé Nutrition Institute Workshop Series

Optimal growth, development, and functional maturation of the infant and child clearly depend on the provision of an adequate intake and balance of more than 50 essential macro- and micro-nutrients. Of all these, protein is by far the most important determinant. Protein in the diet provides the essential amino acids necessary for protein synthesis and thus not only protein quantity but also quality is important. However, protein cannot be considered alone since there is a close interrelation between protein and energy metabolism with reference to growth.

The 42nd Nestle Nutrition Workshop, held in Beijing, China, in May 1997, is the basis for this book. In a most interesting milieu, not far from the Forbidden City, a group of international scientists presented research findings and reviews on the intestinal flora, and its consequences for the host, to a large audience, which participated actively in the discussions

Lactation and the process of breastfeeding has been integral to the survival and long-term well-being of neonates and infants of most mammalian species. Mothers’ milk has been considered as a complete source of nutrition for the suckling infant from times immemorial, often with many magical healing powers. It is only in the past 2 centuries that significant scientific information has become available about the evolution of the mammary glands and the development of lactation and its impact on the suckling mammalian neonate. Since the observations of Paul Ehrlich over 120 years ago, it is now