It is common for pregnant women to become anemic as their body lacks iron, iron is essential for the development of red blood cells in the blood and foods such as meat, cereals, rice, bread, pasta and dried fruits. Folic acids help to develop the baby’s nervous system and are required in the first 3 months of pregnancy. The foods that folic acids contain are vegetables, tropical fruits and eggs, folic acids prevent any complications such as spin bifida and there is a supplement for folic acids which should also be taken daily that can be bought in capsules. Breast feeding is great for a baby’s nutritional needs but the mother needs to maintain a well balanced diet and eat extra food because they feel hungry more. Good nutrition for the mother means good nutrition for the baby and it is important that the
mother continues to eat foods high in folic acid so her baby’s nervous system becomes stronger and stronger. Folic acids are vitamin B, wheat and orange juice are full of this vitamin.
0-3 Years Infancy
Mothers decide either to feed their children with powder milk or to use their own breast milk. Breast milk has more nutrition and all the goodness that a growing baby needs, but powder milk still provides them with good nutrition but not as much as breast milk as it is cow’s milk which has been modified. Breast milk lacks in iron and copper but this is ok as the baby has enough until they start to be weaned on to solid foods. All equipment used to feed babies needs to be sterilized to prevent infect which could cause the baby to become seriously ill. When a baby is being weaned on to solid foods they are advised not to do this till they are at least 6 months old and to wean them on baby rice still mixed with formula or breast milk and to buy baby rice that is enriched with iron because of the lack of iron and copper they have stored in their first 6 months. As time goes on it is important that the foods become more and more thicker and the mother tries other healthy foods with lots of nutrition such as fruits and vegetables, but at the same time getting them used to using equipment like spoons. It is important to make sure that the baby’s intake of calcium is kept high to help with their growth and development and so their bones and teeth are strong.
4-10 Years Childhood
At this life stage children are more active and need a high amount of vitamins and minerals because these are a good source of energy. There is a big growth spurt at this life stage and a child’s calcium intake is important to keep their teeth and bones strong, so one glass of whole milk is advised per day. The high nutritional needs that children have can come from foods such as meat, fish, eggs, pasta, rice, fruit and vegetables. While through this life stage milk teeth are falling out and adult teeth are coming through, parents are advised to keep the amount of sweets and sugary drinks to a minimum, so that their adult teeth have time to mature. Another negative point of giving children in this life stage to much sugar is that their teeth can become over run with tooth decay. Feeding junk foods such as crisp, saturated fats, and frozen foods is putting young children at risk of becoming obese.
11-18 Years Adolescence
Physical activity at this life stage is encouraged because weight is up and down all the time throughout and this is why individuals are encouraged to eat regular meals. Nutrition is needed the most at this life stage, so a well balanced diet and healthy foods are recommended. The nutrition that is needed come from vitamins and whole-grain carbohydrates. Proteins are needed to build the larger muscles that are developing and foods such as meat, fish, eggs and dairy products. At this time in life a woman starts her period cycle and they need more calcium, iron and zinc. This is because nutrition deficiencies occur at this time and periods can become irregular and painful is they don’t get the nutrition supply they need. Boys between these ages need to raise their calorie intake up to 2755 and girls 2110, this is because they are still growing and need more energy. Fatty foods should be avoided and irregular eating patterns need to be dealt with because regular meals and exercise ensures that the young individual maintains a healthy body and is functioning properly.
19-65 Years Adulthood
Throughout this life stage it is important to maintain a well balanced diet and eat up to 5 portions of fruit per day to keep a healthy body. The intake of calories increase a males being 2550 and a woman 1940 calories, they can gain these nutritional needs from foods containing carbohydrates such as bread, rice, pasta and proteins such as fruit and vegetables, meat, fish, eggs and cheese. Exercise at this life stage is main factor to think about to improve fitness and to remain healthy. Adults should make sure they do regular exercise; therefore they need foods which will give them the energy levels that contain mineral, proteins and vitamins. Individuals in this age group need to try and avoid fatty foods and keep their intake to a low. This is because many health conditions occur later on in this life stage such as diabetes, coronary heart disease, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, obesity etc. These conditions can b avoided by individuals not eating too much of one food group and keeping exercise levels to a reasonable amount each week. The consumption of alcohol each week also needs to be kept at a low as this contains too many calories. The intake of calcium is also important for strengthening of bones and teeth.
65+ Years Later Adulthood
As we age are needs for calcium increase, this is because our bones become brittle. The calcium supply we needs can come from milk based foods and full fat milk. Fats and sugars need to me limited because these would leave an elderly person with access fat which they find hard to burn off, as their mobility to move around becomes less and less. Iron is an essential to maintain healthy blood at this life stage and can b found in meats, egg yolks and raisons. It is also important to have a good intake of zinc because we become fragile as we got to this life stage and are prone to damage skin easily, zinc helps individuals to heal and can be found meats. Exercise and movement at this life stage is advised as weight is gained very easily. Appetites are not to good at this age but a well balanced diet and equal amounts of food from the food groups will help to maintain a healthy diet.
