Nutrition through the Life Cycle: From Childhood to the Older Adult Years

A collection of vocabulary terms and nutritional requirements across the human life cycle, from early childhood through older adulthood.

Early childhood

The period encompassing infancy and the toddler years (birth through age $3$) and the years from age $4$ through $8$.

puberty

The period of the human life cycle, commonly between ages $10$ and $14$, when a child matures into an adult through the development of primary and secondary sex characteristics.

adolescence

The period of the human life cycle between puberty and adulthood, commonly between ages $10$ and $19$.

Young Adulthood

The life stage from ages $19$ to $30$ where physical growth is completed and organs and body systems are fully developed.

Middle Age

The life stage from ages $31$ to $50$, involving transitions from childbirth and lactation to perimenopause and menopause.

Older Adult Years

The life stage from age $51$ until the end of life, often accompanied by physiological changes such as loss of muscle mass.

dementia

The loss of cognitive functioning, including thinking, remembering, and reasoning.

Ovo-vegetarians

Vegetarians who eat eggs but exclude all other animal products from their diet.

Lacto-ovo-vegetarians

Vegetarians who eat both eggs and dairy products but do not eat meat.

Lacto-vegetarians

Vegetarians who eat dairy products but exclude all other animal products.

Vegans

Individuals who eat food only from plant sources and consume no animal products at all.

anaphylaxis

A life-threatening allergic reaction resulting in difficulty breathing, swelling, decreased blood pressure, shock, or death.

food intolerance

Unpleasant symptoms caused by the inability of the digestive system to break down certain foods.

Anorexia nervosa

An eating disorder characterized by undereating and excessive weight loss.

Bulimia nervosa

An eating disorder involving binge eating followed by compensatory behavior.

Binge eating disorder

The regular occurrence of eating extremely large amounts of food in a short period of time.

preventive nutrition

Dietary practices focused on reducing disease and promoting long-term health and well-being.

menopause

The point in time one year after a person’s last menstrual period, marking the end of fertility.

perimenopause

The transitional period of time leading up to menopause.

dysphagia

A condition that impairs the ability to swallow, often associated with advanced dementia.

anorexia of aging

A condition in older adults characterized by poor food intake, leading to risks like immune deficiency and muscle loss.

Energy Requirements (Girls ages $4$ to $8$)

Daily intake between $1,200$ and $1,800$ Calories.

Energy Requirements (Boys ages $4$ to $8$)

Daily intake between $1,200$ and $2,000$ Calories.

Energy Requirements (Girls ages $9$ to $13$)

Daily intake between $1,400$ and $2,200$ Calories.

Energy Requirements (Boys ages $9$ to $13$)

Daily intake between $1,600$ and $2,600$ Calories.

Energy Requirements (Girls ages $14$ to $18$)

Daily intake between $1,800$ and $2,400$ Calories.

Energy Requirements (Boys ages $14$ to $18$)

Daily intake between $2,000$ and $3,200$ Calories.

Energy Requirements (Women ages $19$ to $30$)

Daily intake between $1,800$ and $2,400$ Calories.

Energy Requirements (Men ages $19$ to $30$)

Daily intake between $2,400$ and $3,000$ Calories.

Energy Requirements (Women ages $31$ to $50$)

Daily intake between $1,800$ and $2,200$ Calories.

Energy Requirements (Men ages $31$ to $50$)

Daily intake between $2,200$ and $3,000$ Calories.

Energy Requirements (Females ages $51$ and older)

Daily intake between $1,600$ and $2,200$ Calories.

Energy Requirements (Males ages $51$ and older)

Daily intake between $2,000$ and $2,800$ Calories.

Adequate Intake of Water (Young Adult Female)

A recommended daily consumption of $2.7\,dm^3$.

Adequate Intake of Water (Young Adult Male)

A recommended daily consumption of $3.7\,dm^3$.