Dietary Requirements Dietary Requirements

For Babies, Children, Adolescents, Adults, Elderly people and Pregnant

women.

© PDST Home Economics.

BabiesBabies Time of rapid growth First 6 months-breast or

formula milk Breast feeding adv. = antibodies, sterile, properly

balanced, convenient and free. Needs solids to supplement

milk after 6 months so weaning begins after 4 months.

Use fresh fruit and veg, starch and protein pureed

Do not add sugar or salt.

ChildrenChildren Time of rapid growth Need protein

vitamins minerals and energy foods

Encourage healthy eating patterns – parental example

Attractive small nutritious meals and healthy snacks

Don’t add salt and sugar

Meals based on regular family meals

Sweets, crisps, bars, biscuits etc.. Not part of normal diet

Bread, pasta, rice, potatoes, fruit, veg., meats, pulses, eggs, cheese, milk.

Breakfast, packed lunch, nutritious snack, dinner.

ChildrenChildren

Discourage faddy eating habits

Adolescent – Nutritional Adolescent – Nutritional problemsproblems

Rapid growth spurts

Busy schedules

Peer pressure

Worry over physical appearance

Adolescent – Nutritional Adolescent – Nutritional problemsproblems

Teenage girls – calcium deficiency& iron deficiency (anaemia).

Boys energy needs met by high cholesterol fast food

Anorexia and bulimia nervosa.

Badly balanced vegetarian diets.

Adult dietary needsAdult dietary needs

Need to maintain and repair cells – protein.

Amount of food depends on Gender and Activity

Active adults need high energy nutritious foods e.g. cheese, pasta and vit. B to release the energy

Guidelines for adult dietsGuidelines for adult diets

Varied diet Maintains a suitable

weight Low fat, low

cholesterol foods. Veg. esp. greens for

minerals and vits. Avoid salt and sugar Alcohol - 21 units

male/week 14 units female /week

Dietary problems of the Dietary problems of the elderlyelderly

Lack interest in food. Money problem. Physical disability-

arthritis Illness can cause

demand for protein, Vit.C, Vit.D Calcium.

Less energy food needed

Less active - more fibre Common deficiencies

= vit. D&C B1and Iron.

Dietary guidelines for the Dietary guidelines for the elderlyelderly Smaller nutritious meals Avoid processed food Plenty of fluid and fibre Food rich in Vits D, C, B1

Special kitchen gadgets make cooking easier

Grocery delivery Meals on wheels, home

help, day centres

Dietary issues of people who Dietary issues of people who are ill or convalescingare ill or convalescing

Poor Digestion Poor appetite Nutrients required depends on

type and severity of illness. Protein – repair tissue Cellulose – inactive Vit. C – healing, prevent bed

sores. Calcium & Vit. D – bone repair Iron & Vit. C – replace blood loss. Water – prevent dehydration

from fever, vomiting or diarrhoea

Guidelines for convalescent Guidelines for convalescent diet.diet.

Small attractive portions Good nutrient balance Easy to eat and digest – avoid fats & oils Fresh food prepared hygienically Reduce energy rich food – inactive Avoid Strong flavours e.g. curry Suitable foods, broths, white fish , chicken,

poached egg, a little boiled potato rice or pasta, fresh steamed veg., egg custards, milk puddings, stewed or poached fruit.

Diet during pregnancyDiet during pregnancy

Before getting pregnant – healthy diet + folic acid to prevent neural tube defects

Extra 300 kCals /day . Provide for growth

with extra protein, vit A, calcium, vit D.

Avoid nicotine, caffeine, alcohol

Dietary needs for pregnancyDietary needs for pregnancy

Iron and vit. C to prevent anaemia

Deficiency of vit. K can cause a fatal disease in newborns.

Thiamine to release energy from food

Fatty acids for nervous system – oily fish, liver, egg yolk soya beans

Dietary difficulties during Dietary difficulties during pregnancypregnancy

Cravings and “going off” foods Nausea esp. first14 weeks dry

toast, avoid fatty foods. Heartburn – due to pressure

on stomach – avoid fatty and spicy foods. Eat small meals, try yoghurt or milk.

Constipation – increase water and fibre

Avoid raw eggs, coleslaw and soft cheeses – listeria and salmonella