Nutritional Requirements Across the Lifespan

Pregnancy

During pregnancy a woman’s body has an increased need for nutrients.  In the second trimester a woman needs 340 extra calories daily (Sizer & Whitney, 2014). In the third trimester a woman needs 450 extra calories daily (Sizer & Whitney, 2014). Extra carbohydrates are ideal, because it helps promote and support fetal growth and brain development (Sizer & Whitney, 2014). Folate and vitamin B12 are crucial to pregnant women and to fetuses (Sizer & Whitney, 2014). Without a sufficient enough amount of folate and B12 the fetus is at risk for neural tube defect, anencephaly, and spina bifida (Sizer & Whitney, 2014). Pregnant women should have 400-600 micrograms a day of folate (Sizer & Whitney, 2014). Vitamin D and calcium are important for a pregnant woman because the Vitamin D helps assist in the absorption of calcium. Iron and zinc are also very important for women and the fetus during pregnancy. Prenatal vitamins are a great supplement for pregnant women because they contain the recommended amount of calcium, iron, and folate for pregnant women (Sizer & Whitney, 2014).

Infancy

Once a mother has her baby she has to decide if she is feeding her baby formula or if she is going to breastfeed.  A breastfeeding mother requires an extra 330 calories of food per day to meet the demand of her nursing baby (Sizer & Whitney, 2014). From birth to about six months old a baby’s caloric demands are about 100 calories per each kg of body weight (Sizer & Whitney, 2014). Around six months old the baby’s demands tend to increase less rapidly because growth slows down (Sizer & Whitney, 2014). Water is crucial to babies and is provided through either breast milk or formula. The AAP recommends holding off solid food until a baby is at least 6 months old (Sizer & Whitney, 2014). Studies show that essentially breastfeeding until 6 months has many benefits (Malta, 2015).  Even at 6 months foods are complimentary to breastfeeding, meaning breastfeeding is still the primary source of nutrients (Malta, 2015).

Childhood and Adolescence

            In the second year of life a child’s diet changes drastically due to the increase of solid foods and decrease in breast milk or formula (Sizer & Whitney, 2014). A child’s need for protein increases as they grow in a pound for pound ratio (Sizer & Whitney, 2014). Children should have 15 micrograms of vitamin D per day (Sizer & Whitney, 2014). In adolescence the demand for iron increases (Sizer & Whitney, 2014). Boys need more iron to support the growth of lean muscle and girls need iron to support the growth of lean muscle but also menstruation (Sizer & Whitney, 2014). In adolescence calcium intake must be increased to support bone growth (Sizer & Whitney, 2014). Adolescence needs at least 15 micrograms of Vitamin D per day (Sizer & Whitney, 2014).

Adulthood

            Nutrition becomes individualized in adulthood (Sizer & Whitney, 2014). Everyone’s bodies have different demands and some have increased demands due to certain health related issues (Sizer & Whitney, 2014). Elderly take in fewer calories than younger adults, but they need more protein in their meals to prevent muscle and bone tissue loss (Sizer & Whitney, 2014). Adults in their 50’s and 60’s need at least 15 micrograms of vitamin D per day. Adults ages 51 years and older need 2.4 micrograms of B12 per day (Sizer & Whitney, 2014). Iron, zinc and calcium are also important nutrients in adulthood (Sizer & Whitney, 2014). In adulthood people often take supplements to ensure they are getting the correct amount of vitamins and minerals (Sizer & Whitney, 2014).

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