Mod 14: Nutr for Children, Adolescents, Older Adults

Describe the rate of growth of children

not constant; they fluctuate during different periods of development

Early Childhood rate of growth

The rate of weight and height gain is generally high in the first few years and then slows down as the child ages until puberty

Adolescence rate of growth

A significant growth spurt occurs during puberty. For girls, this typically happens between 10-11 years of age. For boys, it occurs later, around 12-13 years of age

Gender Differences during rates of growth in children

boys gain proportionately more lean tissue (muscle) than fat due to testosterone, while girls’ growth spurts occur earlier

How is overweight status determined in children and adolescents (ages 2 to 20)?

using BMI-for-age growth charts, not just a single BMI number like adults. Compare to national standard.

Overweight percentile

BMI falls between the 85th and less than the 95th percentile

Obese percentile

BMI is at the 95th percentile or greater

Underweight percentile

BMI is less than the 5th percentile

How do calorie requirements during childhood change in terms of calorie per kg per day?

The number of calories needed per kilogram of body weight is highest in early childhood and decreases as the child ages. For example, a 2-3 year old boy needs ~87 kcal/kg/day, while an adult needs ~44 kcal/kg/day

How do calorie requirements during childhood change in terms of total calories per day?

The total number of calories needed per day increases overall as the child gets older and their body size increases. For instance, a 2-3 year old boy needs ~1,046 kcal/day, whereas a 14-18 year old boy needs ~3,152 kcal/day

Describe iron-deficiency anemia in children

Children in low-income families are at the greatest risk; Adolescent girls are vulnerable due to menstrual blood loss, dieting, and lower meat consumption; can influence mood and attention span and may impair learning ability

Identify good sources of iron for children

Lean meat, Peanut butter, Fortified breakfast cereals and grains, Apricots

Why is lead toxicity a health concern for children?

inhibits iron absorption and the enzyme needed to synthesize hemoglobin; developing brain is very sensitive to even low levels of lead, early exposure can lead to lifelong learning disabilities; Common sources include paint in older homes, lead pipes, and some imported toys or eating utensils

Social aspects of aging and the impact it has on nutrition

Living alone & Lack of motivation: Can lead to poor appetite and skipping meals; Depression, Anxiety, & Economic constraints: Can result in either overeating or undereating and limited access to nutrient-dense foods.

Physical/physiological aspects of aging and the impact it has on nutrition

Dental Issues: Makes chewing and swallowing difficult, limiting food variety; Sensory Loss: diminished senses can reduce appetite and make cooking difficult; Neuromuscular Coordination: Loss of coordination makes cooking and self-feeding hard; Digestion: Decreased digestive secretions and slowed gastric motility can lead to malabsorption and constipation; Sarcopenia: Loss of muscle mass reduces basal metabolism and overall calorie needs

What is Alzheimer's?

abnormal deterioration of the brain involving the formation of plaques (beta-amyloid protein clumps) and tangles (twisted protein strands); These plaques and tangles block cell-to-cell signals and transport systems, eventually killing nerve cells. This leads to brain shrinkage and loss of the ability to think, plan, and remember

Dietary Prevention for Alzheimer's?

Antioxidant foods (like berries) and Omega-3 fatty acids

Risk factors for undernutrition in the elderly

Little or no appetite, Problems with chewing or swallowing, Consuming inadequate amounts of nutrients, Eating fewer than two meals a day; Use of multiple drugs (polypharmacy) can reduce appetite, decrease nutrient absorption/utilization, and increase nutrient excretion

“Childhood” typically refers to the time between

Second birthday and puberty

Child’s need for calories depends on multiple factors

Body size, activity levels, growth rate; adequate calories and protein support growth (lack of calories slows growth, fluctuate during periods of growth)

Younger children have the ability to monitor what intake?

Caloric; older children can play more active role in food selection, meal planning and meal preparation

Obesity has more than tripled since 1960s, few causes are

Physical inactivity, More time w/ video games, TV and computers, Larger portion sizes, Food advertising directed to children, Widespread availability of food, Use of food as a reward

Food allergy

Condition in which the body produces antibodies against particular protein in food; Skin rashes, Intestinal upset, diarrhea and vomiting, Difficulty in breathing, Severe reaction may occur, anaphylactic shock

Anaphylactic shock

Condition in which blood pressure is very low and breathing is shallow

The Big 9

Milk, Eggs, Fish, Shellfish, Tree Nuts, Peanuts, Wheat, Soybean, Sesame

In childhood, significant bodily changes…

continue to occur throughout the teen years; Hormone changes contribute to overall body growth and development

Age for girls rapid growth

10-11 years of age, growth spurt for girls occurs before that for boys

Age for boys rapid growth

12-13 years of age

Timing of growth spurt dependent on adolescent attaining certain critical weight

In United States, this is around ~66 lb. and when body fat is ~10%

Puberty

Period of sexual maturation that occurs until sexual reproduction is possible, Sex hormones are produced

Boys gain proportionately more

lean tissue than fat, related to increase in testosterone

50% of adult peak bone mass during adolescence. True or False?

True

Mineral needed to support bone health

Calcium (Good sources include dairy products and fortified foods, Not all adolescents consume adequate amounts)

Common eating habits that increase risk for deficiencies in adolescents

Skipping meals, Inadequate consumption of calcium-rich foods, Nutrient-poor food selection away from home, Dieting due to body image issues, Alcohol use

Nutrients of Concern for Aging

Water, energy, fiber, protein, Vitamin B12 & D, Calcium, Iron, Zinc

Anemia

usually due to causes other than iron deficiency: Gastric ulcers and related ailments leading to blood loss over time, Reduced absorption of Vitamin B12