Discuss
the nutritional requirements across the lifespan – from pregnancy to childhood,
and from adolescence to adulthood.
The pregnancy and infancy stage are the most significant in
regards to proper nutrition because these stages set the platform for the
individual’s future health. During the pregnancy stage, the mother must
consume a nutritious diet and the proper vitamins and minerals to ensure the
fetus’s proper development. A pregnant woman should eat 175 grams of carbs
per day, which helps the fetus’s brain; an additional 25 grams of fiber per
day; and essential fatty acids to help with growth and development of the
fetus. Prenatal supplements are also essential because they provide the proper
amount of nutrients during pregnancy, especially folate, iron, and
calcium (Sizer & Whitney, 2013).
An infant’s fastest growth is in their first year
of life. An intake of sufficient energy nutrients, vitamins, and minerals are
needed to support this growth. “Infants require about 100 calories per kilogram
of body weight per day” (Sizer & Whitney, 2013). Infants can obtain all the
required nutrients from breast milk. In addition, infants also require water
because they are consistently losing fluids due to vomiting and diarrhea (Sizer
& Whitney, 2013).
To support growth in the early years of
childhood, energy nutrients are needed. These foods help the child grow without
the excess fats and sugars that are common in today’s diet. The calories a
child should consume for healthy growth come from fruits, vegetables, grains,
proteins, and milk (Sizer & Whitney, 2013). Food provides the energy and
nutrients you need to be healthy. Nutrients include proteins, carbohydrates,
fats, vitamins, minerals and water. A good diet is also important at this stage
of life because it will reduce the risks of developing osteoporosis, high blood
pressure, heart diseases and certain cancers later on in our adult years (National Institute on Aging, 2015).
A growth spurt happens in the adolescence stage,
and the nutrient-based needs of vitamins, minerals and energy yielding foods
are especially crucial. (Sizer & Whitney, 2013). Eating foods full of
nutrients such as nuts, fruits, and vegetables can help avoid potential health
problems.
Older Adults may not need as much energy as they did in their
younger years; however, they still require nutrients to remain healthy. As we
age, our bodies become a little more fragile, and eating healthy foods will aid
in keeping us stronger. Calcium is an important nutrient because it helps with
bone strength. Older adults may need to increase their calcium intake because
they are at risk for bone loss and may suffer from Osteoporosis (National Institute on Aging, 2015). Some
foods that are high in calcium are milk, milk products,
and soybeans. There are also a variety of calcium supplements available. Ultimately,
the best way to avoid health issues is to properly fuel our bodies with the
appropriate nutrients from day one. The earlier that nutrition issues are
recognized and dealt with, the better our chances are of living a long life
that is disease and pain free.
References
Sizer, F. & Whitney, E. (2013). Nutrition:
Concepts and Controversies (13th ed.). Mason, OH: Cengage
Learning
