[Metabolism and nutrition of young children in a children's home]

Certain parameters of protein and fat metabolism, as well as provision with vitamins A, B1, B2 and mineral substances (calcium, phosphorus and magnesium) were studied in infants aged 1-3 years, at the Tartu Children's Home No. 2. Simultaneously, the infants' nutrition and development were investigated. It was found that the mean parameters of the protein and fat metabolism were within the normal limits, however, vitamin A, B1, D and unsaturated fatty acids deficiency was recorded in the infants studied. Food imbalance, that was greater in spring, led to metabolic disorders, vitamin and mineral deficiency resulted in the infants' growth retardation. It is recommended that infants in the children's homes should be given higher amounts of vegetables, fruit, milk and vegetable oil rich in vitamins, and vitamins in concentrated form, in prophylactic doses.