Lifespan Nutrition

Nutrition is important in every age and stage of life, but for different reasons in each. Our decisions and health impact each stage and one stage may carry over to the next. This flow chart illustrates that trend.

("Poor Nutrition throughout the Life Cycle," 2003)

Pregnancy

It can be argued that the most critical time for proper nutrition is during pregnancy when not one, but two people depend on proper nutrient levels. Poor nutrition in this stage can:

• Impact fertility
• Hinder placenta formation and nourishment.
• Malnourished women may give birth to a low birth weight baby = increased likelihood for chronic disease, lower IQ, and educational issues.
• Obese individuals may give birth to larger babies = C-section risk, difficult labor, or birth trauma.
• Increase likelihood for neural tube defects (folate/folic acid deficiency)
• Impact bone, tooth, and brain development (Sizer & Whitney, 2012).

Infancy

 

Infants grow more in their first year than at any other time in life. This makes nutrition crucial, especially intake of vitamins A, D, and calcium. Breast milk is the most complete form of infant nutrition. Too few calories, lack of nutrients, or dehydration will reduce the quantity of breast milk available to baby. (Sizer & Whitney, 2012) .

 

Childhood

 

Children are still growing significantly during this stage, both physically and mentally. Increased calories are still needed, especially to account for the increased activity levels in children. Fluoride, vitamin D, and iron are especially important during this stage for development of healthy teeth, bones, and red cells. Poor nutrition can:

• Impact behavior,
• Inhibit brain growth
• Cause cavities and dental problems (Sizer & Whitney, 2012).

Adolescence

The beginning of this stage is usually marked by a growth spurt which requires additional calories and nutrients. Iron is crucial to create and preserve lean body mass in males and prevent excess iron loss in females caused by menstruation. Bones are lengthening during this stage which means that calcium and vitamin D still play a critical role (Sizer & Whitney, 2012). 

 

Adulthood

 

Metabolism rates decrease as we age meaning calorie needs actually go down, but it is still important to eat properly. Protein is important to maintain lean muscle and bone density as we age, as is vitamin D. Vitamin B absorption rates are lower so monitoring intake is important to prevent a deficiency (Sizer & Whitney, 2012).

 

Many people think that infancy is the most crucial nutritional period, probably due to the widespread talk and support of breastfeeding and continued knowledge of its benefits. I, however, think that young childhood is the most important time as young children are growing and learning so quickly and modeling behaviors seen in the home. A poor food relationship usually starts at a young age and can continue forever causing isolation, chronic disease, depression, and more. We have the power to shape the food choices and preferences of young children.

 

Which do you think is the most important stage?

References

Poor nutrition throughout the life cycle [Digital image]. (2003, July). Retrieved from www.prb.org

Sizer, F. S., & Whitney, E. N. (2012). Nutrition: Concepts and controversies (13th ed.). Belmont, CA: Wadsworth.