Question A

1. The 5 stages of the human life cycle are: infancy, childhood, adolescence (12-20), adulthood and old age. For each stage identify circumstances that may lead an individual to have special nutritional needs

Infancy:

An infant’s birth weight doubles after about five months and triples by the first birthday, by which time the infant’s length increases by half. Appropriate nutrition is essential during this period because for infants that don’t receive sufficient calories, vitamins, and minerals will not reach their expected growth. 

Iron Deficiency

Iron deficiency is the most common nutritional problem. In the first six months of life the baby generally has enough iron stored in the body to meet iron requirements. Before the iron is depleted, iron should be supplied in the diet as research suggests iron deficiency in early childhood may lead to long-term changes in behaviour that may not be reversed even with iron supplements and is essential for proper mental development. Iron sources in an infants diet include breast milk, iron-fortified infant formula, iron-fortified infant cereals and iron supplements. 

Childhood:

Iron

A low intake of meat, nuts, legumes, vegetables, dried fruit and other food which are high in iron can lead to an iron deficiency. Which would result in kids having low energy, are often sick, and can have a foggy brain. Iron is know to transport oxygen form the lungs to the tissues, muscles and brain. It is essential for kids, for immunity and for creating energy from food. 

Vitamin D3:

This vitamin can be found in canned salmon, cod liver oil, sardines, egg yolk, liver and sunshine. Children require an adequate amount of vitamin D3 because it is essential for the absorption of calcium in teeth, bones and muscle. It is also a hormone regulator, prevents cancer by promoting cell differentiation and plays a crucial role in blood sugar regulation as well as cardiovascular, muscle and brain health. 

Calcium

This vitamin can be found in dairy products, broccoli, almonds, oatmeal, kale and other foods. Calcium is the foundation of bones, teeth and soft tissue. They also regulate muscle and nerve function and manage blood vessel contraction and dilation affecting blood pressure. A deficiency in Calcium could become a periodontal disease, muscle pains, anxiety, insomnia, hyperactivity or easily broken bones. A calcium deficiency could be apparent at bed time when a child’s body slows down and they may be anxious, have a hard time sleeping or complain of restless legs or growing pains. 

Adolescence:

Obesity, Diabetes, and Heart Disease

With a diet of junk food and food high in sugar and fat can cause diseases such as obesity, diabetes and heart disease. Staying active and eating foods that are low in fat and sugar promote a healthy diet for adolescences. 

Eating Disorders

Fear of gaining weight may lead to overly restrictive eating habits. Some teens resort to self-induced vomiting or laxative use to control their weight. To prevent this disorder adolescents require a balanced diet of vitamins and minerals and an adequate intake of food to provide energy for daily activities. 

Vitamin D3:

Vitamin D3 deficiencies tend to get worse as children matures into adolescence. Teens tend to be quite low in Vitamin D3 at a time when they need it most for hormonal regulation, immunity and mental processing. 

Adulthood:

Osteoporosis

A deficiency in calcium can result in a condition known as osteoporosis which eventually leads to weakening of the bone tissue which leaves bones brittle and fragile. In order to reduce the risk of osteoporosis and to keep bones healthy, an adequate amount calcium can be obtained from milk, dairy foods such as yogurt and cheese, leafy green vegetables and calcium fortified cereals. 

Iron Deficiency

Iron can be found in meat, some vegetables and dried fruit. The body uses iron to make haemoglobin, which helps to store and carry oxygen in the red blood cells from the lungs to the rest of the body. Without iron in the blood, the organs and tissues receive less oxygen than they usually would leading to tiredness and lethargy, which is known as iron deficiency. 

Old Age: 

Bowel Problems

An inadequate amount of fibre can result in bowel problems which can become an issue with age as elderly adults can suffer from constipation. In order to keep bowel issues and irritations to a minimum, older adults should include an adequate amount of fibre in their diets as this will help to ensure the digestive system is healthy and in working order. Good sources of fibre include wholegrain cereal, porridge, wholegrain bread, brown pasta, rice, fresh fruit and vegetables.

Fat

Older people that are fit, well and within a healthy weight range should minimize saturated fat intake to improve heart health. However, elderly adults who are above the age of 75 will not benefit from fat restriction, especially if a person is frail, below a healthy weight or has a small appetite.