Nutritional
requirements will change through the course of one’s life. The main stages of
life are fetal, childhood, adolescence, and adulthood. The fetus is completely
dependent on the mother for nutrition. First, a pregnant woman should add 340
calories to their diet after the first trimester. In addition, folate is needed
prevent certain birth defects and increase blood volume. Vitamin D and calcium
are needed for building the skeleton. A deficiency in calcium or vitamin can
lead to abnormal fetal bone development. During infancy, vitamin D is usually
supplied to the infant in formula since breast milk does not offer a sufficient
supply. Breast feeding is superior to any other type of feeding for an infant. Infants
who are breast-fed have a lower risk of developing infection and have better
neurodevelopment. In addition, infants being breast-fed are more protected
against disease and developing allergies (Bahl, 2008).
After the first year of life, the
growth rate greatly reduces. A child at one year of age requires 800 calories.
At the age of six, a child requires 1,600 calories. Since a one year old’s
brain is large relative to the size of the body, the glucose requirement is
equal to that of an adult. More important now than ever before, controlling fat
intake is critical. Fat is necessary to prevent disease and provide energy for
growth; however, an abundance of fat can lead to obesity, which can lead to
numerous chronic diseases. Iron is also critical for children. Iron deficiency
if prevalent in U.S. and Canadian toddlers. Iron is required for creating new
red blood cells and brain development. Sine breast milk is high in iron, it is
difficult to replace when children are weaned off breast milk (Sizer & Whitney,
2012).
As adulthood approaches, it is
important to monitor one’s diet to ensure all nutrients are being consumed
without overeating. Carbohydrates and fiber are need for brain function.
Protein is needed for energy. Again, vitamin D and iron remains essential. In
adults, vitamin D deficiency has been linked to hypertension and cancers. Iron
deficiency can lead to decreased appetite and chronic blood loss from
developing ulcers and hemorrhoids (Sizer & Whitney, 2012).
Bahl, R. (2008). Issues in nutrient
supplementation of breast-milk fed low birth weight infants. Indian Journal
of Medical Research, 128(2), 104-6. Retrieved from
http://search.proquest.com/docview/195981883?accountid=32521
Sizer,
F. & Whitney, E. (2012). Nutrition: Concepts and controversies, MyPlate
Update (12th ed.). Mason, OH: Cengage Learning. Package