Nutritional And Dietry Needs Of Different Groups Of People

Question 1

Dietary Needs for Different Life Stages

Answer 1

1. Babies (0-12 months)
   • Breast milk or formula provides essential nutrients.
   • After 6 months, weaning introduces soft, iron-rich foods.
   
   2. Toddlers (1-3 years)
      • Small, frequent meals with essential fats, proteins, and iron.
      • Avoid choking hazards (e.g., whole nuts).
   3. Pre-school children (3-5 years)
      • Balanced meals with plenty of fruits, vegetables, and dairy for calcium.
      • Encourage variety to prevent picky eating.
   4. School-aged children (5-12 years)
      • Energy-dense foods to support growth and activity.
      • Protein, calcium, and vitamins A and D for bone development.
   5. Adolescents (13-18 years)
      • Increased need for protein, iron (especially for menstruating girls), and calcium for bone health.
      • Balanced diet with controlled fats and sugars.
   6. Adults (19-64 years)
      • Nutrient-dense diet to maintain health and prevent disease.
      • Balanced intake of carbohydrates, protein, and healthy fats.
   7. Older Adults (65+ years)
      • Nutrient-rich foods to prevent deficiencies.
      • Calcium and vitamin D for bone strength, fibre for digestion.
   8. Pregnant and Lactating Women
      • Increased need for iron, folic acid, calcium, and protein.
      • Omega-3 fatty acids support fetal brain development.

Question 2

Food Allergies and Intolerances

Answer 2

Foods that May Cause Allergic Reactions

Common allergens include:
• Nuts (e.g., peanuts, tree nuts like almonds)
• Dairy (e.g., milk, cheese)
• Eggs
• Shellfish and fish
• Gluten (found in wheat, barley, rye)
• Soy
• Sesame seeds

Food Intolerances
1. Lactose Intolerance
• Inability to digest lactose (sugar in milk) due to lack of lactase enzyme.
• Alternative sources: Lactose-free dairy, plant-based milk (e.g., almond, soy).
2. Gluten Intolerance (Coeliac Disease)
• Autoimmune response to gluten damaging the small intestine.
• Must avoid wheat, barley, and rye. Alternative grains: Rice, corn, quinoa.

Question 3

Dietary Reference Values (DRVs)

Answer 3

• DRVs provide guidelines on the intake of nutrients to maintain health.
• Includes Estimated Average Requirements (EARs), Reference Nutrient Intakes (RNIs), and Lower Reference Nutrient Intakes (LRNIs).
• Based on age, gender, and activity levels.

Question 4

Macronutrients and Micronutrients

Answer 4

Macronutrients (Needed in large amounts)
• Carbohydrates – Energy source (e.g., bread, pasta, rice).
• Proteins – Growth and repair (e.g., meat, fish, eggs, beans).
• Fats – Energy and cell function (e.g., oils, nuts, dairy).

Micronutrients (Needed in small amounts)
• Iron – Red blood cell production (e.g., red meat, spinach).
• Calcium – Bone health (e.g., dairy, leafy greens).
• Vitamin D – Helps calcium absorption (e.g., sunlight, fish).
• Vitamin C – Immune function (e.g., citrus fruits, peppers).

Question 5

Planning Recipes, Meals & Diets Based on Nutritional Analysis

Answer 5

• Adjust ingredients for allergies/intolerances (e.g., use oat milk instead of dairy).
• Modify portion sizes for energy needs (e.g., larger portions for adolescents, smaller for older adults).
• Use nutritional labels and meal planning tools to create balanced diets.

Question 6

Why Different People Have Specific Nutritional Needs

Answer 6

1. Babies (0-12 months)
   • Why? Rapid growth and brain development require essential nutrients.
   • Key Nutrients:
   • Breast milk/formula – Provides all essential nutrients.
   • Iron – Needed for healthy blood development (e.g., fortified baby cereals).
   • Fat – Supports brain development (e.g., avocado, full-fat dairy).

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2. Toddlers (1-3 years)
   • Why? High energy needs for movement and rapid development.
   • Key Nutrients:
   • Calcium & Vitamin D – Essential for bone growth (e.g., milk, cheese).
   • Iron – Prevents anemia (e.g., red meat, lentils).
   • Healthy fats – Brain function (e.g., nuts, oily fish).

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3. Pre-school Children (3-5 years)
   • Why? Continued growth, developing immune system, and high activity levels.
   • Key Nutrients:
   • Protein – Muscle and tissue development (e.g., chicken, beans).
   • Fibre – Aids digestion (e.g., whole grains, fruits, vegetables).
   • Vitamin C – Boosts immunity (e.g., citrus fruits, peppers).

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4. School-aged Children (5-12 years)
   • Why? High energy demand due to growth spurts and school activities.
   • Key Nutrients:
   • Carbohydrates – Provides sustained energy (e.g., whole grains).
   • Protein – Supports muscle and brain function (e.g., eggs, fish).
   • Calcium & Vitamin D – Strong bones and teeth (e.g., dairy, green vegetables).

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5. Adolescents (13-18 years)
   • Why? Growth spurts, hormonal changes, and increased physical activity.
   • Key Nutrients:
   • Iron – Prevents anemia, especially in menstruating girls (e.g., spinach, red meat).
   • Protein – Supports muscle growth (e.g., chicken, tofu).
   • Calcium & Vitamin D – Peak bone development (e.g., milk, yogurt).

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6. Adults (19-64 years)
   • Why? Maintain a healthy body, prevent lifestyle diseases (e.g., obesity, heart disease).
   • Key Nutrients:
   • Balanced macronutrients – Carbs for energy, protein for maintenance, healthy fats for heart health.
   • Fibre – Prevents digestive issues (e.g., whole grains, vegetables).
   • Omega-3 fatty acids – Brain and heart health (e.g., oily fish, flaxseeds).

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7. Older Adults (65+ years)
   • Why? Prevent bone loss, maintain muscle strength, and support immune function.
   • Key Nutrients:
   • Calcium & Vitamin D – Reduces osteoporosis risk (e.g., dairy, fortified foods).
   • Protein – Prevents muscle loss (e.g., fish, eggs).
   • Vitamin B12 – Supports nerve function (e.g., meat, fortified cereals).

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8. Pregnant & Lactating Women
   • Why? Support fetal development and maternal health.
   • Key Nutrients:
   • Folic acid – Prevents birth defects (e.g., leafy greens, fortified cereals).
   • Iron – Prevents anemia (e.g., red meat, legumes).
   • Omega-3 fatty acids – Brain development in baby (e.g., salmon, walnuts).
   • Extra calories – For energy needs during pregnancy and breastfeeding.