Lifespan Nutritional Requirements

               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