Nutritional Requirements Across the Human Lifespan - Blog 5

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

National Institute on Aging. (2015). Vitamins & Minerals | National Institute on Aging. Retrieved from http://www.nia.nih.gov/health/publication/whats-your-plate/vitamins-minerals

Sizer, F. & Whitney, E. (2013).  Nutrition: Concepts and Controversies (13th ed.).  Mason, OH: Cengage Learning