Essay about Nutrition throughout your life

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NUTRITION THROUGHOUT YOUR LIFE
SCI/241
LEIGH ANN ROBBINS-VIRTUE

What does nutrition mean to you:
Nutrition is the basic nutrients needed for you body to be able to function properly.

Nutrition is what keeps every living thing alive. Throughout a humans life, our nutritional needs will change drastically.

NUTRIENT
“A nutrient is anything that nourishes a living being. We humans get our nutrients from what we eat, plants get theirs from the soil. While the best nutrients are natural, we can also get them from vitamins in a bottle.” (http://www.vocabulary.com/dictionary/nutrient)

Energy
“The ability to be active : the physical or mental strength that allows you to do things.” (http:// www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/energy) Throughout our lives, our nutritional needs, our energy needs and even our fluid consumption changes. FLUID REQUIREMENTS FOR AN
INFANT

“Requirements for macronutrients and micronutrients are higher on a per–kilogram basis during infancy and childhood than at any other developmental stage. These needs are influenced by the rapid cell division occurring during growth, which requires protein, energy, and nutrients involved in
DNA synthesis and metabolism of protein, calories, and fat.” (http:// www.nutritionmd.org/health_care_providers/general_nutrition/lifetime_childhood.html) “While most adults require 25 to 30 calories per kg, a 4 kg infant requires more than 100 kcals/kg
(430 calories/day). Infants 4 to 6 months who weigh 6 kg require roughly 82 kcals/kg (490 calories/day). Energy needs remain high through the early formative years. Children 1 to 3 years of age require approximately 83 kcals/kg (990 kcals/day). Energy requirements decline thereafter and are based on weight, height, and physical activity.” (http:// www.nutritionmd.org/health_care_providers/general_nutrition/lifetime_childhood.html) As parents need to encourage their children to eat a well-balanced healthy diet, there are several factors that might improve adults outlook when it comes to their child's health and their nutritional needs. The child’s daily needs of:
Carbohydrates and fats
Protein
Calcium
Iron
and Vitamins A and C
These nutrients and vitamins or minerals provide energy, build, maintain, and repair body tissue, support growth, fight iron-deficiency anemia and help with rapid growth.

Requirements for children:
“Nutrition for kids is based on the same principles as nutrition for adults. Everyone needs the same types of nutrients — such as vitamins, minerals, carbohydrates, protein and fat. What's different about nutrition for kids, however, is the amount of specific nutrients needed at different ages.” (http:// www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-living/childrens-health/in-depth/nutrition-for-kids/art-20049335) Ages 2 to 3: Girls and boys
Ages 2 to 3: Daily guidelines for girls and boys
Calories
1,000-1,400, depending on growth and activity level
Protein 2-4 ounces
Fruits 1-1.5 cups
Vegetables 1-1.5 cups
Grains 3-5 ounces
Dairy 2-2.5 cups
Ages 4 to 8: Girls
Making sure your child eats a well-balanced diet, gets plenty of rest, and adequate exercise will be the first stepping stones for making sure your child has a healthy growth rate.

Ages 4 to 8: Girls
Ages 4 to 8: Daily guidelines for girls
Calories
1,200-1,800, depending on growth and activity level
Protein 3-5 ounces
Fruits 1-1.5 cups
Vegetables 1.5-2.5 cups
Grains 4-6 ounces
Dairy 2.5-3 cups

Ages 4 to 8: Boys

Ages 4 to 8: Daily guidelines for boys
Calories
1,200-2,000, depending on growth and activity level
Protein 3-5.5 ounces
Fruits 1-2 cups
Vegetables 1.5-2.5 cups
Grains 4-6 ounces
Dairy 2.5-3 cups

Adulthood and Pregnancy
An adult caloric intake can range from 1000 to 3000 calories per day, depending