Although good nutrition is always a good thing, specific nutritional needs change throughout life. In fact, age is one of the primary factors you should consider when calculating calorie intake as well as the recommended daily intake of vitamins and minerals, changes based on your body's specific needs during the various stages of life.
Infants and Toddlers
Breast milk and formula are the two sources of nutrition during infancy. Whether a baby is exclusively breastfed or formula fed, a few nutrients are especially important during this stage. Iron is crucial for bone development and prevention of iron deficiency anemia, which is why most formulas contain extra iron. Exclusively breastfed babies between the ages of 4 and 6 months may need iron supplements, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians. Toddlers who drink a lot of cow's milk are also at increased risk for iron deficiency, which is why many doctors recommend limiting daily milk consumption to 24 ounces.
Children
Monitor school-aged children carefully to ensure that they don't make negative nutritional choices that may impact their health. As noted by the American Academy of pediatrics, school-aged children are exposed to many unhealthy foods in cafeterias and at friends' homes, and they may not always make the healthiest choices. Encourage your child to eat well by packing her lunch and providing healthy snacks to keep her going throughout the day. Your child's bones grow quickly during early and late childhood, so be sure that they get enough calcium and vitamin D to support that growth.
Adolescents and Teenagers
Adolescents and teenagers experience a rapid growth spurt, so calcium intake is more important than ever. According to Purdue University, almost half of the bone mass that adults have is acquired during the adolescent years. Teens are also at risk for several other nutritional issues, as noted by the California Department of Public Health. These include eating disorders, obesity, type 2 diabetes and excessive intake of fat and sugar, which both increase the risk of health problems later in life.
Adults
If you haven't established good eating habits in adulthood, it's never too late to start. Excessive sodium intake is particularly common and problematic during adulthood. A 2005 survey by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that only 9.6 percent of American adults consumed the recommended amount of sodium each day. Excessive sodium intake contributes to high blood pressure, which increases risk of heart disease later in life. Adults over age 50 should also be sure to get enough vitamin D, since daily intake requirements double from 200 international units, which is the recommended daily intake for children as well as adults under age 50, to 400 international units at this stage in life. Adults over age 70 need 600 international units per day, as noted by the New York State Department of Health.
References
- National Center for Education in Maternal and Child Health: Giving Your Baby the Very Best Nutrition
- American Academy of Family Physicians: Prevention of Iron Deficiency in Infants and Toddlers
- Purdue University: Nutrition Through the Lifecycle
- American Academy of Pediatrics: Childhood Nutrition
- National Institutes of Health: Kids and Their Bones: A Guide for Parents
- California Department of Public Health: Adolescent Nutrition
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Sodium Intake Among Adults
- New York State Department of Health: Vitamin D and Healthy Bones
