Human nutrition is associated with good health and well-being. Humans derive nutrients from food products such as fruits, vegetables, milk, and animal-based products. Nutrients should be taken in adequate quantities for proper functioning of the body. Diet provides vitamins, minerals, and all other vital components required for healthy living. Diet is one part of a healthy body while physical activity enhances growth, development, and stability to the body. People who have low nutrient intake are vulnerable to diseases and illnesses. Poor nutrition has also been associated with impaired physical and mental development (Kau, et al. 2011). Nutrition is the cornerstone of health and well-being. It is important to understand how nutrition plays a major role in our lives. Nutrition is required at all walks of life, specifically during pregnancy, infancy, and early childhood. The rapid growth rate and changing body justifies the exponential increase in demand for nutrients during early childhood and adolescence. Nutrients form a fundamental part of our lives without which our body would be prone to diseases, impaired growth, and infections. Researchers have always emphasized on the need for nutrient and healthy diet. This presentation provides an overview of nutrition at key life stages including nutritional needs, fluid intake, and physical activity, Some the key life stages where nutrition is of utmost importance include: Pregnancy, Lactation, Childhood, Adolescence, and Adulthood.
One of the major areas or stages of life wherein nutrients play a key role is pregnancy. The rate of nutrients such as vitamins and minerals is increased during pregnancy with an average of 300 calories required per day until the last trimester of pregnancy. During pregnancy, water-soluble vitamins such as vitamin A are in demand which can be taken from vegetables and fruits. Pregnant women have a higher intake of vitamin B complex group and vitamin C to support growth and development of the foetus. It is empirical to develop a diet plan or diary for pregnant women. A registered dietician can easily help assess the women’s nutrient requirements (Tanha, Mohseni, Ghajarzadeh, & Shariat 2013). Pregnant women would have an increased intake of protein during lactation. It is common for women to consume 300 calories more than their daily average to compensate for energy loss and providing nutrients to the foetus. Women who lactate or breastfeed require higher amounts of vitamin A, C, B-complex, and E. Some of the most common minerals required during lactation include sodium, zinc, and magnesium. The overall iron intake should be decreased during lactation. The food pyramid provides a clear picture of the various dietary products, minerals, and vitamins required during lactation (Dieterich, Felice, O’Sullivan, & Rasmussen 2013).
The nutritional needs during infancy are different from those required during childhood, adolescence, and adulthood. There is a gradual increase in nutrient intake for an infant due to the rapid growth rate and developmental changes in the body. For an infant under 3 months of age, a total of 60 grams of carbohydrates, 31 grams of fat, 9 grams of protein, and 500 mg of omega-3 fatty acids is highly recommended (Robinson & Fall 2012). The transition of an infant to child is associated with significant physical change and development. This rapid developmental changes have been associated with a rapid increase in the protein and energy requirements. Children require a higher amount of protein from foods such as eggs, milk, meat, and fruits. A child should receive an estimated 0.95 gm of protein per kilogram of the child from the total 20% of the recommended calorie intake. On an average, a child should receive 1.4 gram per 100 calories or 140 grams per day from the total 45% of recommended calorie intake. Nearly 30% of the calories should be derived from healthy fats (Soliman, De Sanctis, & Elalaily 2014). nutrients that needs to be taken to continue living a healthy life which are as follows: (a) A combination of physical activity and a healthy diet is highly recommended (b) Intake of vitamin B1, B2, and B3 along with C, K, choline, and magnesium should be increased (c) Iron and zinc intake should be increased for women and (d) Vitamin D supplementation should commence after the age of 45 years (McNaughton, Crawford, Ball, & Salmon 2012).
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