Life Cycle of Nutrition

   

 Discuss the nutritional recommendations across the lifespan – from pregnancy to childhood, and from adolescence to  adulthood. 

Throughout the lifespan of development our nutritional needs change from one stage to the next. It is important that we feed our bodies the recommended nutrition it requires for optimal health. During pregnancy, a woman’s nutritional needs have never been more important. Not only is she responsible for the health and welfare of her own body, she is also responsible for the nutritional needs of her unborn child. In order to maintain a healthy pregnancy with a good outcome for the child and mother it is important that pregnant women consume adequate nutrition to support the growth of her growing fetus, It is recommended that pregnant women eat a diet rich in nutrient-dense foods from all of the different food groups and increase her intake of vitamin B12, vitamin D, zinc, folic acid and iron. During infancy and childhood when a child is growing at a very rapid pace it is important that they eat a diet rich in vegetables, low-fat milk, lean proteins, and fruits high in vitamin C. During adolescence, eating a diet rich in nutrients, vitamins and minerals is very important during this stage of the lifecycle, because our bodies are going through so many physical changes. During this time it is important for teens to increase their iron and vitamin D requirements in order to support bone growth and lean body mass in males and menstruation in females. During adulthood, the nutrition and dietary guidelines include eating a nutrient rich diet that includes lean proteins, high fiber foods, and iron rich foods. As we age our energy levels decline and our bodies do not absorb as much vitamins and minerals from our foods as they once did.

Sizer, F. & Whitney, E. (2012).  Nutrition: Concepts and Controversies, MyPlate Update (12th ed.).  Mason, OH: Cengage Learning.