Nutritient

• Nutrition plays a crucial role at every stage of life. Each life stage has specific nutritional requirements to support growth, development, maintenance, and overall health. Understanding these needs helps in planning balanced diets and promoting lifelong well-being.
• Infancy (0-12 Months)


  Nutritional Needs:
• Infancy Nutritional Needs


  • Breast Milk or Formula: Primary source of nutrition, providing essential nutrients
  • Iron: Crucial for cognitive development; fortified cereals can be introduced around 6 months
  • Vitamin D: Important for bone health; may need supplementation if breastfed
• Infancy Dietary Guidelines


  • Exclusive breastfeeding is recommended for the first 3 months
  • Introduce solid foods gradually at around 3 months, starting with iron-rich foods
  • Avoid honey and cow's milk before 1 year
• Toddlerhood (1-3 Years)


  Nutritional Needs:
• Toddlerhood Nutritional Needs


  • Energy: High energy needs due to rapid growth and activity
  • Calcium and Vitamin D: Essential for bone development; provided by dairy products
  • Iron: Prevents anaemia; sources include meat, beans, and fortified cereals
• Toddlerhood Dietary Guidelines

  • Offer a variety of foods to develop healthy eating habits
  • Ensure balanced meals with fruits, vegetables, grains, protein, and dairy
  • Limit sugary snacks and beverages
• Childhood (4-8 Years)


  Nutritional Needs:
• Childhood Nutritional Needs


  • Protein: Supports growth and muscle development
  • Fiber: Promotes healthy digestion; sources include fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
  • Calcium and Iron: Continue to be important for bone health and oxygen transport
• Childhood Dietary Guidelines


  • Encourage regular meals and healthy snacks
  • Promote physical activity alongside a balanced diet
  • Teach portion control and the importance of hydration
• Adolescence (9-18 Years)


  Nutritional Needs:
• Adolescence Nutritional Needs


  • Energy and Protein: Increased requirements due to growth spurts and puberty
  • Calcium and Vitamin D: Critical for achieving peak bone mass
  • Iron: Essential, especially for menstruating girls and growing boys
• Adolescence Dietary Guidelines


  • Encourage balanced meals rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains
  • Address body image and healthy eating habits
  • Promote the reduction of fast food and sugary drinks
• Adulthood (19-50 Years)


  Nutritional Needs:
• Adulthood Nutritional Needs


  • Balanced Diet: Maintain weight and prevent chronic diseases with a varied diet
  • Fiber: Important for digestive health
  • Antioxidants: Found in fruits and vegetables, support overall health
• Adulthood Dietary Guidelines


  • Focus on portion control and regular physical activity
  • Limit saturated fats, sugars, and sodium
  • Include a variety of nutrient-dense foods
• Older Adults (51+ Years)


  Nutritional Needs:
• Older Adults Nutritional Needs

  • Calcium and Vitamin D: Important for bone health to prevent osteoporosis
  • Vitamin B12: Absorption decreases with age, and may require supplementation
  • Fibre and Hydration: Prevent constipation and support digestive health
• Older Adults Dietary Guidelines

  • Encourage nutrient-dense foods with fewer kilojoules
  • Focus on easy-to-digest foods and adequate hydration
  • Consider medical conditions that may affect dietary needs
• Pregnancy and Lactation


  Nutritional Needs:
• Pregnancy and Lactation Nutritional Needs

  • Folic Acid: Prevents neural tube defects; essential before and during early pregnancy
  • Iron: Increased needs to support maternal and fetal blood supply
  • Calcium and Protein: Support fetal growth and maternal health
• Pregnancy and Lactation Dietary Guidelines

  • Eat a balanced diet with increased kilojoule intake (about 1200 extra kilojoules/day in the second and third trimesters)
  • Avoid alcohol, excessive caffeine, and certain high-risk foods (e.g., unpasteurised cheese)
  • Continue a nutrient-rich diet during lactation to support milk production
• Nutritional needs vary throughout the life cycle, reflecting changes in growth, development, and health status. By understanding these needs, individuals can make informed dietary choices that promote health and well-being at every stage of life.