Lifespan Nutritional Needs

Joanne M. Rodriguez

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Nutritional Needs as Infants

Girls Energy dense diet 0-6 months 55% energy from fat, decreasing to 20% by age 4 Carbohydrates from lactose Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids Increased protein Increased fluids Vitamins and minerals from proper diet Frequent meals

Boys
Energy dense diet 0-6 months 55% energy from fat, decreasing to 20% by age 4 Carbohydrates from lactose Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids Increased protein Increased fluids Vitamins and minerals from proper diet Frequent meals

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Nutritional Needs as Teenagers

Girls
High-end serving recommendations from Food Guide Pyramid More calories than adults Increased need for vitamins and minerals particularly iron, calcium, and zinc Athletic teens require more water, protein, carbohydrates, and micronutrients

Boys
High-end serving recommendations from Food Guide Pyramid More calories than adults Require more protein Increased need for vitamins and minerals particularly iron, calcium, and zinc Athletic teens require more water, protein, carbohydrates, and micronutrients

Nutritional Needs as Adults

Women
20-35% of energy from fat Diet higher in fiber Dietary carbohydrates from less refined sources Diet higher in protein Adequate fluid intake Vitamins and minerals Additional iron during menstruation years Additional calcium at onset of menopause

Men
20-35% of energy from fat Diet higher in fiber Dietary carbohydrates from less refined sources Diet higher in protein Adequate fluid intake Vitamins and minerals

Nutritional Needs During Pregnancy

Women Nutrient dense diet Increased calorie needs Increased protein needs Increased fluid needs Vitamins and minerals essential

Men Does not apply

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Nutritional Needs as Older Adults

Women
Modified Food Pyramid Guide Modified food choices easier to prepare and consume Diet high in foods containing antioxidant nutrients Increased calcium over age 51 particularly important in women Increased vitamin D ages 51-70 Supplemental sources of vitamin B12 Increased fiber Increased fluid intake

Men
Modified Food Pyramid Guide Modified food choices easier to prepare and consume Diet high in foods containing antioxidant nutrients Increased calcium over age 51 Increased vitamin D ages 51-70 Supplemental sources of vitamin B12 Increased fiber Increased fluid intake

Conclusion and References

Healthy diets are important throughout entire life cycle Nutritional habits begin in childhood Childhood nutritional habits carry over into adulthood Good nutritional choices help to eliminate obesity Healthy nutritional habits can reduce risk of chronic diseases
References Grosvenor, M.B., & Smolin, L.A. (2006). Nutrition: Everyday

choices. New Jersey: John Wiley & Sons, Inc.