Question 1
- Carbohydrates are organic compounds. They are made up of Carbon, hydrogen and oxygen. They are the ideal energy source for the body since they are readily converted to glucose, which is the basic form that sugar is transported throughout the body. They are found in two forms, Complex carbohydrates and simple carbohydrates.
The recommended amount of carbohydrates, according to the British Nutrition Foundation, is:
- 230g of carbohydrates daily for women, which should make up 47.7% of the daily energy consumption.
- 275g of carbohydrates daily for men, which should make up 48.5% of the daily energy consumption.
- Proteins are biological molecules that contain multiple chains of amino acids. The size of the molecules are determined by the number of amino acid chains present in the molecule. Proteins are crucial in replicating DNA, transporting molecules between different locations, responding to stimuli and catalysing metabolic functions. Proteins form the foundational building blocks for the body.
The amount of protein one needs in their diet is dependent on their size, age and activity level. The standard mathematical technique for calculation of required protein levels involve multiplying the body weight by 0.37 if weight is measured is pounds and 0.8 if weight is measured in kilograms.
- Fats are a major source of energy (calories) for the body and they also play an important role in helping in the absorption of vitamins. Fats also play an important role in development and proper growth of the body. However too much fat has serious health implications.
The recommended daily fat intake depends on the recommended amount of calories by age and sex. The recommended daily calorie intake is:
After the amount of recommended calories is determined, the recommended amount of fat can be found:
- Vitamins are organic compounds that cannot be synthesized by the body in sufficient quantities. Currently, there are 13 recognized vitamins by international health, nutrition and dietetics organizations. There are two main groups of vitamins:
- Water-soluble vitamins
- Fat-soluble vitamins
Deficiency of any of the 13 vitamins leads to development of health complications.
The amounts of each vitamin that is recommended for individuals of different ages is clearly defined and outlined by the Institute of medicine. The Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) and the Adequate Intake (AI) outline these figures.
- Minerals (Dietary Minerals) are chemical compounds that the body needs other than compounds containing the four elements that are commonly found in organic compounds (oxygen, Carbon, nitrogen and hydrogen). Too much of them may however be harmful to the body and its functions.
The amounts of each mineral that is recommended for individuals of different ages is clearly defined and outlined by the Institute of medicine. The Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) and the Adequate Intake (AI) outline these figures.
- Water is the basic sustenance of life. It makes up two thirds of a human being’s weight. All cellular functions of the body require water. It also acts as a lubricant in the form of saliva and joint fluids. It regulates body temperature.
The recommended daily water intake is about 648 to 64 ounces of water.
Question 2
Maternal nutrition is the dietary planning and nutrient intake pre, during and post pregnancy. Even though the outcome of birth is determined by socio-economic, demographic and biological factors, maternal nutrition has recently been found to influence the outcome of birth. Nutrition pre and during birth influences the internal environment created for the foetus.
Question 3
Infant Nutrition is the dietary planning and nutrient intake for new-borns and young babies under the age of 1. This mainly comprises breast feeding. Breast milk is the basic infant food and it is also crucial that a breast feeding mother to ensure proper intake of vitamins and minerals. After the ages of 4 to 6 months, solid foods can be introduced. This has to follow a balanced diet guideline.
Question 4
Child nutrition entails the dietary design and nutrient intake for children above the age of 1 and below the age of 10. During these ages, growth is essential and there is great need for the monitoring and development of a balanced diet, mainly one that is growth oriented.
Question 5
Adolescent nutrition entails the dietary design and nutrient intake for individuals between the age of 11 and 18. It is essential to develop a diet that is in line with the physiological changes occurring. The diet has to take into consideration hormonal changes and physical developments.
Question 6
Elderly nutrition entails the dietary design and nutrient intake for individuals above the age of 55 to 60. During this stage of life, the diet has to take into consideration the gradual depletion and wearing out of internal organs and reduced functionality of those organs. Immunity is an important factor to be considered as reduced immunity means increased vulnerability to health complications.
Works Cited
Beck, M. E., Barker, H. M., & Attrill, H. A. (1985). Nutrition and dietetics for nurses. Edinburgh: Churchill Livingstone.
Garrow, J. S., & James, W. T. (1993). Human nutrition and dietetics. Oxford University Press: Churchill Livingstone.
Holli, B. B., & Beto, J. A. (2012). Nutrition counseling and education skills for dietetics professionals. Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
Webster-Gandy, J., Madden, A., & Holdsworth, M. (2006). Oxford handbook of nutrition and dietetics. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
Winterfeldt, E. A., Bogle, M. L., & Ebro, L. L. (2013). Nutrition and dietetics : practice and future trends. Burlington: Jones & Bartlett Learning.
