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Nutritional Requirements Throughout the Life Cycle: Conclusion
Requirements for energy and micronutrients change throughout the
life cycle. Although inadequate intake of certain micronutrients
is a concern, far greater problems come from the dietary excesses
of energy, saturated fat, cholesterol, and refined carbohydrate,
which are fueling the current epidemics of obesity and chronic disease.
Clinicians can assist patients in choosing foods that keep energy
intake within reasonable bounds, while maximizing intakes of nutrient–rich
foods, particularly vegetables, fruits, legumes, and whole grains.
Life Stage |
Change in
Nutrient Needs |
Pregnancy* |
Increased requirements: energy,
protein, essential fatty acids, vitamin A, vitamin C, B–vitamins
(B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B12, folate, choline) & calcium, phosphorus**,
magnesium, potassium, iron, zinc, copper, chromium, selenium,
iodine, manganese, molybdenum |
Lactation* |
Increased requirements: vitamins
A, C, E, all B–vitamins, sodium, magnesium**
Decreased requirements: iron |
Infancy, childhood* |
Increased requirements: energy,
protein, essential fatty acids |
Adolescence* |
Increased requirements: energy,
protein, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, zinc (females only) |
Early adulthood
(ages 19–50) |
Increased requirements
for males compared with females: vitamins
C, K; B1, B2, B3, and choline; magnesium, zinc, chromium,
manganese
Increased requirements for females compared with
males: iron |
Middle age (ages
51–70)* |
Increased requirements: vitamin
B6, vitamin D |
Elderly (age 70+)* |
Increased requirements: vitamin
D
Decreased requirements: energy; iron (females
only) |
* Relative to adult requirements for those 19–50 years of age (and
on a per–kg basis for macronutrients).
** Applies only to individuals under age 18.
For detailed nutrient recommendations, see chapters on Macronutrients
and Micronutrients.
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