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Introduction

Discusses nutritional and energy requirements, comparing and contrasting similarities and differences between the two groups for each nutrient, and for energy. Pregnant women and breastfeeding women... It is important for pregnant women to understand what kind of food is best for them and their baby as it will fully protect the health of the mother and provide optimal growth and development of her unborn baby. In the first half of pregnancy, nutrition requirements mainly concern quality, while in the second half; quantity is also an issue to ensure fetal growth. Proper nutritional habits should already be established at the start of this second life - if possible even before conception. The pregnant mother's body is subject to greater demands to ensure fetal development as well as the growth, health and functioning of the uterus, placenta and amniotic fluid. A daily increase of 150 calories in food consumption is recommended at the start of pregnancy, which will eventually reach an extra 250 calories a day by the end of pregnancy. ...read more.

Middle

Iron is found is food such as in meat, fish, egg yolk, whole-grain products and vegetables. Folic acid: This vitamin supports the development of the fetal central nervous system and prevents developmental defects of the neutral tube (spina bifida). Folic acid is found in food such as vegetables, wheat germ, tropical fruits and in eggs. Additional folic acid intake is necessary in the months before pregnant and during the first trimester. Older people... Good nutrition and energy plays a vital role in the well-being and health of older people, but also helps delay and reduce the risk of developing diseases. It is very important to give more attention to texture and flavour of food as well as nutrient composition of food for older people because of changes such as loss of muscle and increase in fat, deterioration in taste, smell and state of teeth. The nutritional requirements of the older adults are the same as those for the rest of adult population. ...read more.

Conclusion

Similarities: for both the elderly and pregnant/ breast feeding women, it is very important that they get the right amount of nutrition. For pregnant women/breast feeding because helps them fully protect their health and provide optimal growth and development of the unborn baby. And also for older people as it helps them by preventing diseases as they are more likely to be in risk. Differences: For pregnant women it is very important that they get enough nutritional as well as calcium, iron and folic acid as it helps allowing the unborn baby's bones and teeth formation and prevents developmental defects of the neutral tube (spina bifida). They need to follow a healthy diet not only for their body, but more importantly for the development of their unborn child. The expression "eating for two" plainly describes this need for greater nutrient intake during pregnancy. Whereas older people do not need to drink and eat as much because they have already developed and stopped growing. ?? ?? ?? ?? Unit 21: Nutrition for Health & Social Care M1 Farhiyo Dehay Unit 21: Nutrition for Health & Social Care M1 ...read more.

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