Nutrition

Nutrition

The science of optimal cellular metabolism by which food and nutrients affect growth and development, cellular function, and repair, health promotion and disease prevention

Infant nutrition

Doubles weight by 6 months, triples by one year, length increases by 50%.

Iron stores begin to deplete around 3-4 months, introduction of solid foods around 4-6 months

Toddlers and Preschoolers

Stomach increases to handle 3 meals a day, stool decreases to 1-2 times per day. Can verbalize food interests

Pregnancy Nutrition

Increase need of carbs, fats, and proteins. Expect to gain 25-35 pounds. Heartburn, nausea, vomiting, and constipation can occur.

Key nutrients include protein, iron, folic acid, calcium and iodine

Older Adults

Decreased metabolic rate and physical ability. Loss of body mass, reduced ability to gain nutrients. Decrease in peristalsis

Protein

Component of every cell in body, impacts ability to repair or replace tissues or produce immune factorsC

Carbs

Alter metabolism, results in use of protein as fuel, decreased intake can lead to shift to use body fat and protein for energy

Fats

Essential acid deficiency affects cellular metabolism