Nutritional Requirements across the Lifespan – from Pregnancy to Adulthood.

Throughout our lifespan proper nutrition is imperative to a long and healthy life
(Sizer & Whitney, 2013).  During each phase nutrients are sometimes needed to increase while other times they are decreased (Sizer & Whitney, 2013).

(MSNull07, 2013)

Pregnancy

Pregnancy may be considered the most important and influential period for the developing child (Sizer & Whitney, 2013).  Insufficient nutrition, drugs, alcohol, and tobacco can have lifelong negative implementations for the developing child such as birth defects and life long learning issues (Sizer & Whitney, 2013).  Additionally, there is an increased need for nutrients for the mother including protein, carbohydrates, vitamin B6, foliate, iron, and iodine (Sizer & Whitney, 2013).  A prenatal supplement can help to attain these added nutrients (Sizer & Whitney, 2013).

Infant

During this time breast milk and fortified formulas can provide adequate nutrition for the newborn (Sizer & Whitney, 2013).  Since they grow at the fastest pace in their entire lives vitamin A and D, calcium and iodine are vital to their growth (Sizer & Whitney, 2013).  

Child

Development at this stage is still very important and requires adequate amounts of nutrients from whole foods such as protein, carbohydrates, fiber, and fat (Sizer & Whitney, 2013).  In the first couple years of its life the child's influence about food is profound (Sizer & Whitney, 2013).  So as a parent it is important to practice what you preach.  Child multivitamin supplements may be used to meet the nutrient requirements for a picky eater (Sizer & Whitney, 2013).  Just as adult diets, a child's diet should be low in processed foods, saturated fats, added sugars and salt (Sizer & Whitney, 2013).  Below is an example of a what foods should be included in a toddlers diet.  

(Sabrina, 2009)

There are plenty of trusted websites such as eatright.org that offer pointers about proper nutrition for a growing child (Sabrina, 2009). 

Adolescent

As the child ages they become more influential about the foods that they choose (Sizer & Whitney, 2013).  As a parent, it is important to provide and encourage the teen to maintain proper nutrition (Sizer & Whitney, 2013).  Nutrients such as iron, vitamin D, and calcium are in high demand for a teens body (Sizer & Whitney, 2013).  Ideally, attaining these nutrients from whole foods is best but a multivitamin can help to meet these needs (Sizer & Whitney, 2013).    

(Fishburne, 2014)

Adulthood

As in every phase of life and nutrition it is ultimately about the eating habits that we follow throughout our lives that have positive or negative effects on our later years (Sizer & Whitney, 2013).  Likewise, it is also important to abstain from from tobacco products, use alcohol in moderation, stay active, and maintain proper body weight with a nutritious diet (Sizer & Whitney, 2013).  As we age the body requires less calories so it is always advised to stay current with your primary care physician and discuss these aspects regularly (Sizer & Whitney, 2013). 

References:

Fishburne, T. (2014). Daily nutritional requirements for kids.  Retrieved on September 21, 2014

from http://www.epicurious.com/articlesguides/healthy/news/nutritionalguidelinesforkids

MSNull07 (2013).  Life cycle of nutrition.  Retrieved on September 21, 2014 from

            http://lisanu07.blogspot.com/

Sabrina (2009).  Adventures in baby food. gerber’s toddler nutrition guide.  Retrieved on

September 21, 2014 from http://adventuresinbabyfood.blogspot.com/2009/06/gerbers-toddler-nutrition-guide.html  

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

            Cengage Learning.