(Nutrients)
All people need the same nutrients, but the amounts will vary depending on their stage in life such as infants, children, adolescents, pregnancy, adults, and older adults. For example, a pregnant woman will need to make sure she has a proper diet before, during, and after the pregnancy. A poor diet before and during the pregnancy may affect the health and development of her infant. She will also need to make sure and maintain a nutritionally balanced diet after the pregnancy, especially if she plans to breastfeed her infant.
After studying Module 5: Lecture Materials & Resources https://stu.instructure.com/courses/34886/pages/module-5-lecture-materials-and-resources, answer the following:
- Review figure 10-3 Comparison of Selected Nutrient Recommendations for Nonpregnant, Pregnant, and Lactating Women in text and compare the recommended percent allowances for:
A. Iron – Who (nonpregnant, pregnant, lactating) needs it more and why?
- Ellen is an 18-year-old single mother of a six-month infant; she works at a convenience store and makes minimum wage. Ellen has limited financial means and needs assistance. Navigate to Floridahealth.gov: https://www.floridahealth.gov/programs-and-services/wic/wic-program-info.html. and share at least two (3) examples of how food assistance programs can help Ellen’s infant and one (1) example of why nutrition is important for an infant – provide a full paragraph.
- Miguel is a 75-year older adult and has been diagnosed with early macular degeneration. Explain what macular degeneration is and share 2 vitamins or minerals that help reduce progression of the disease.
The Importance of Nutrients at Different Stages of Life
Nutrients play a critical role in maintaining optimal health and development throughout all stages of life. While everyone requires the same essential nutrients, the amounts needed may vary depending on factors such as age, gender, and life stage. For instance, infants, children, adolescents, pregnant women, adults, and older adults have specific nutrient requirements tailored to their unique physiological needs. It is crucial to ensure proper nutrition during pregnancy, as a poor diet can have long-lasting effects on both the mother and the developing infant. Additionally, maintaining a balanced diet after pregnancy is essential, especially for breastfeeding mothers.
Comparison of Recommended Percent Allowances for Iron
Figure 10-3 in the lecture materials provides a comparison of selected nutrient recommendations for nonpregnant, pregnant, and lactating women. Let's compare the recommended percent allowances for iron:
Nonpregnant Women: The recommended daily allowance (RDA) of iron for nonpregnant women is 18 mg.
Pregnant Women: During pregnancy, the RDA of iron increases significantly to 27 mg. This is because iron is required for the increased blood volume and oxygen-carrying capacity needed to support the growing fetus.
Lactating Women: Lactating women have the highest iron requirement among these groups, with an RDA of 9 mg. Iron is necessary for the production of breast milk and the replenishment of maternal iron stores.
Based on these recommendations, it is clear that pregnant women need more iron compared to nonpregnant and lactating women. This increased need is due to the demands of pregnancy and the necessity to support both maternal and fetal iron requirements.
Food Assistance Programs for Ellen's Infant
Ellen, an 18-year-old single mother working at a convenience store and making minimum wage, may face financial limitations in providing adequate nutrition for her six-month-old infant. Food assistance programs can be instrumental in supporting Ellen and her child. Here are three examples of how these programs can help:
WIC Program: The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) provides nutritious foods, nutrition education, and support to low-income pregnant women, new mothers, and young children. Ellen can benefit from WIC by receiving vouchers for healthy foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, milk, eggs, and infant formula.
SNAP Program: The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) offers assistance to eligible individuals and families with low incomes to purchase food. Ellen can apply for SNAP benefits, which will provide her with an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card she can use to buy food for herself and her child at authorized retailers.
Food Pantries: Local food pantries can provide Ellen with access to nutritious food options at no cost. These pantries often distribute fresh produce, canned goods, dairy products, and infant-friendly foods. This can help ensure that Ellen's infant receives a variety of nutrient-rich foods even when financial resources are limited.
Nutrition is crucial for infants due to their rapid growth and development. Adequate nutrition supports various physiological processes necessary for healthy development. For example, proper nutrition is important for optimal brain development, immune function, and overall growth. Infants require a balanced diet that includes essential nutrients such as proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, minerals, and water. These nutrients contribute to healthy growth, organ development, and the establishment of a strong immune system.
In conclusion, understanding the specific nutrient requirements at different stages of life is essential for promoting optimal health and development. Pregnant women require higher iron levels due to the demands of pregnancy, while food assistance programs such as WIC and SNAP can provide vital support to individuals like Ellen and her infant. Ensuring proper nutrition during infancy is crucial for healthy growth and development. By providing infants with a well-balanced diet rich in essential nutrients, we can support their overall well-being and set them on a path towards a healthy future.
Macular Degeneration and Nutritional Support
Macular degeneration is an eye condition that primarily affects older adults and causes progressive damage to the macula - a small area in the center of the retina responsible for sharp central vision. This condition can lead to blurred or distorted vision and may eventually result in significant vision loss. However, certain vitamins and minerals have been shown to help reduce the progression of macular degeneration:
Vitamin C: Found in various fruits and vegetables such as oranges, strawberries, kiwis, and bell peppers, vitamin C acts as an antioxidant that helps protect the macula from oxidative stress. Studies have shown that a high intake of vitamin C may reduce the risk of age-related macular degeneration (AMD).
Zinc: Zinc plays a vital role in supporting immune function and helps transport vitamin A from the liver to the retina for the production of protective pigments. Foods rich in zinc include oysters, beef, poultry, nuts, seeds, and legumes. Some studies have suggested that zinc supplementation may slow down the progression of AMD.
While these vitamins and minerals may help reduce the progression of macular degeneration, it is important for Miguel to consult with his healthcare provider before making any dietary changes or starting any supplementation regimen. They will provide guidance based on his specific condition and nutritional needs.
In summary,
macular degeneration is an eye condition that affects older adults and can lead to vision loss over time. Vitamins like vitamin C and minerals like zinc have shown potential in reducing the progression of macular degeneration. However, it is essential for individuals like Miguel to seek professional advice before making any dietary changes or incorporating supplements into their routine.