Dietary Needs Of Different Groups Of People Flashcards
Define an ‘infant’
0-1 years
Define a ‘toddler’
1-3 years
Who are the ‘gatekeepers’ in terms of diet for infants?
Parents/guardians
What does national research suggest about the diet of infants?
Excess of sugar in the diet
Lack of fruit and veg
Salt intakes are also quite high
What is meant by ‘weaning’
The gradual process of introducing a child from soft foods to solid foods whilst drawing away from breast-feeding
What is Alison Black’s feeding pattern?
Stage 1 - milk diet: Babies receive most nutrients needed from milk
Stage 2- puréed foods: More nutrients needed that are not found in milk
Stage 3 - puréed + handheld foods: Introduced to soft biscuit type foods
Stage 4 - family meals: Introduced to solid foods in family meals
Nutritional considerations for infants:
Frequent meals in small amounts Wheat/gluten is not recommended Not too much sugar Drinking hard water is recommended Shark, swordfish and marlin should be avoided
Dietary considerations for infants
Brightly coloured plates
Intervening different shapes
What is essential for a woman’s diet before and during pregnancy?
It is essential that they have a varied diet, providing adequate amounts of energy and nutrients
How can body weight affect pregnancy?
Being underweight can make it more difficult to conceive. It can also make it more likely that the baby will have a low birth weight, leading to a greater risk of ill health.
Being overweight increases the risk of complications such as high blood pressure and diabetes during pregnancy.
Why is folate needed in a diet of a pregnant woman?
Folate is needed for rapid cell division and growth in the foetus that takes place during pregnancy.
It has been shown to reduce the chance of neural tube defects such as spina bifida in the unborn baby.
What amount of folic acid should pregnant women have?
400micrograms of folic acid everyday from the time of conception to at least the 12th week of pregnancy.
During pregnancy, a woman’s nutritional needs increase to:
Help the growth of breasts, uterus and placenta
Meet the needs of the growing foetus
Lay down stores of nutrients to help the growth of the foetus, and in the mother for lactation
How does the body adapt during pregnancy?
The body becomes more efficient at absorbing and using nutrients from food.
What can gaining too much weight do during pregnancy?
Gaining too much weight during pregnancy can raise the mother’s blood pressure and increase her risk of being overweight or having diabetes.
What is the average total weight gain after pregnancy?
12.5kg
What nutritional factors should be considered in pregnant women?
Reductions in fat and sugar Increase fruit, veg, pulses and whole grains Decrease tea and coffee Increase NSP and fluids Small but frequent meals Avoid spicy foods
How long is pregnancy?
On average, it is between 37 weeks and 41 weeks
Why should newborn babies not be over fed?
Babies are not to be over fed from bottle feeding as this causes hypernatremia
Definition of ‘child’
5-12 years old
Definition of adolescent
13-19 years old
Important considerations when planning a child’s diet
Income Nutrition BMI Health conditions Allergens Preferences Religion
What were the findings of the National Diet and nutrition Survey for children?
Lots of NME sugars Lack of fruit and veg Lack of iron Not a lot of wholegrain starch Lack of soluble fibre
What nutrients do adolescents especially need during puberty?
Protein Energy Iron Calcium B vitamins Zinc
Factors influencing food choice in adolescents
Availability Affordability Stress and emotion turmoil Peers and peer pressure Body image awareness Lifestyle Parents/school/community
Behavioural habits of adolescents
Increased meal skipping
Increased snacking on energy dense, low nutrient foods
Avoidance of red meats
Sedentary lifestyles
Peer pressure and social identity is heavily influential
Examples of eating disorders
Anorexia nervosa
Bulimia nervosa
Binge eating disorder
Pica
Symptoms of anorexia:
Poor fertility Low blood pressure Dry skin Irregular heart beats Low heart rate Low bone mass
Symptoms of bulimia
Cyclic behaviour
Depression
Salivary glands become enlarged
What is anorexia?
An eating disorder where you feel a need to keep your weight as low as possible
What is bulimia?
An eating disorder where people may secretly binge - eating large amounts of food - and then try to get rid of the extra calories in an unhealthy way
Define ‘elderly’
65 or older
Physical changes that affects an elderly’s nutritional status
Senses Loss of muscle tissue Immune system Decline in renal function Less saliva excreted Loss of teeth
Social changes that affects an elderly’s nutritional status
Inadequate money Lack of food storage Poor access to shops Type of cooking facilities Physical disabilities affecting food preparation
Emotional changes that affects an elderly’s nutritional status
Depression Loneliness Dementia Financial insecurity Anxiety Mood swings Lowered self esteem
Why is calcium needed in extra amounts for the elderly?
Maintains bone health as they have frail bones
Why is vitamin D needed in extra amounts for the elderly?
Same as calcium, also promotes a healthy immune system
Why is vitamin B12 needed in extra amounts for the elderly?
Not absorbed enough, keeps the body’s blood healthy
Why is NSP needed in extra amounts for the elderly?
Lowers risk of heart disease and diabetes. Promotes a healthy digestive system.
Why are vitamins A,C,E needed in extra amounts for the elderly?
These all have antioxidant properties and stop substances such as free radicals from oxidising
Why is potassium needed in extra amounts for the elderly?
This ensures the proper function of muscles and nerves
Why is protein needed in extra amounts for the elderly?
Repairs damaged tissues - common in the elderly
Why is vitamin B6 needed in extra amounts for the elderly?
Plays an important role in the mental health of the elderly
Define a ‘food allergy’
An abnormal immunological reaction, there would be an outward symptom e.g. rash
Define ‘food intolerance’
When someone’s body cannot digest certain foods e.g. someone may not have enough lactase to break down lactose. No outward symptoms shown
Define ‘food aversion’
A psychological rejection of food
Common causes of allergic reactions:
Cereals containing gluten (wheat, rye, oats) Fish, molluscs Cow’s milk and milk products Peanuts Sesame seeds Soya Mustard
Common symptoms of food allergies
Coughing Dry, itchy throat and tongue Nausea and feeling bloated Shortness of breath Swelling of the lips and throat Sore, red itchy eyes
A pregnant woman must pay particular attention to ensuring that she has the following:
An adequate supply of protein for the growth of the baby
Calcium and vitamin D for both her and the baby’s bone and tooth
Folic acid supplements before and during the early stages of pregnancy
Iron for the developing baby’s blood supply
A good supply of fruit and veg to provide vitamin C and fibre
A diet that does not include too many fats and sugary foods
What is coeliac disease?
A medical condition caused by an allergy to the protein gluten
What is an EAR?
Estimated average requirements - an estimate of the average energy or nutrient needed by a group of people
What is an RNI?
Reference nutrient intakes - the amount of nutrient that is enough to ensure that the needs of nearly all the group are being met. It is used for recommendations on protein, vitamins and minerals
What is a LRNI?
Lower reference nutrient intakes - the amount that is enough for a group who only need small amounts. It is a useful measure of nutritional inadequacy.
