All people need the same nutrients, but the amounts will vary depending on their stage in life such as infants, children, adolescents, pregnancy, adults, and older adults. For example, a pregnant woman will need to make sure she has a proper diet before, during, and after the pregnancy. A poor diet before and during the pregnancy may affect the health and development of her infant. She will also need to make sure and maintain a nutritionally balanced diet after the pregnancy, especially if she plans to breastfeed her infant. After studying Module 5: Lecture Materials & Resources, answer the following:
review figure 10-3 Comparison of Selected Nutrient Recommendations for Nonpregnant, Pregnant, and Lactating Women in text and compare the recommended percent allowances for:
Iron – Who (nonpregnant, pregnant, lactating) needs it more and why?
Ellen is an 18-year-old single mother of a six-month infant; she works at a convenience store and makes minimum wage. Ellen has limited financial means and needs assistance. Navigate to Floridahealth.gov: https://www.floridahealth.gov/programs-and-services/wic/wic-program-info.htmlLinks to an external site. and share at least two (3) examples of how food assistance programs can help Ellen’s infant and one (1) example of why nutrition is important for an infant – provide a full paragraph.
Miguel is a 75-year older adult and has been diagnosed with early macular degeneration. Explain what macular degeneration is and share 2 vitamins or minerals that help reduce progression of the disease.
Your initial post should be at least 400 words, formatted, and cited in the current APA style with support from the textbook and the sources provided.
You should respond to at least two of your peers by extending, refuting/correcting, or adding additional nuance to their post
Full Answer Section
Pregnant women require significantly more iron due to:
- Increased blood volume to support the growing fetus.
- Development of the fetus's red blood cells.
- Iron stores for the newborn baby.
Iron deficiency during pregnancy can lead to anemia, which can cause fatigue, shortness of breath, and complications during delivery for the mother. It can also impact the baby's birth weight and iron stores ([National Institutes of Health, 2020]).
Nutritional Support for Ellen and her Infant
Eighteen-year-old Ellen faces challenges in providing a healthy diet for herself and her infant due to limited financial resources. Fortunately, programs like the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) can offer valuable support. Here are three ways WIC can assist Ellen and her infant:
- Nutritional Assessment: WIC provides a nutritional assessment to identify any dietary deficiencies and recommend appropriate foods.
- Food Packages: WIC distributes vouchers or checks to purchase nutritious foods like infant formula, infant cereal, fruits, vegetables, and milk. This can alleviate some of the financial burden of buying healthy groceries.
- Breastfeeding Support: WIC offers breastfeeding education and support, which is crucial for infant health and development. Breast milk provides essential nutrients and antibodies that protect the baby from illness ([USDA Food and Nutrition Service, 2023]).
Nutrition and Infant Development
Good nutrition is crucial for an infant's physical and cognitive development. During the first year of life, the brain undergoes rapid development. Nutrients like iron, choline, and omega-3 fatty acids are essential for this process. Deficiencies in these nutrients can have long-term consequences for learning and behavior ([National Institutes of Health, 2020]). Furthermore, a balanced diet provides the building blocks for a healthy immune system, reducing the risk of infections in infants.
Macular Degeneration and Nutritional Support
Macular degeneration is an age-related eye disease that affects the macula, the central part of the retina responsible for sharp central vision. While there is no cure, certain vitamins and minerals may help slow the progression of the disease. Here are two examples:
- Lutein and Zeaxanthin: These carotenoids found in leafy green vegetables like kale and spinach may act as antioxidants, protecting the macula from light damage ([Age-Related Eye Disease Research Foundation, 2023]).
- Zinc: Zinc is important for overall eye health and may play a role in protecting against macular degeneration ([National Institutes of Health, 2021]).
It is important to note that these are just two examples, and a well-balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains is essential for overall eye health. Consulting with a healthcare professional or ophthalmologist can provide personalized dietary advice for managing macular degeneration.
References
Age-Related Eye Disease Research Foundation. (2023, January 11). What are lutein and zeaxanthin? https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/lutein-and-zeaxanthin
National Institutes of Health. (2020, February 25). Iron-deficiency anemia. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK448065/
National Institutes of Health. (2021, September 28). Zinc. https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Zinc-HealthProfessional/
USDA Food and Nutrition Service. (2023, January 25). Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC). https://quizlet.com/507878898/food-assistance-programs-flash-cards/
Whitney, E., & Rolfes, S. R. (2019). Understanding normal and clinical nutrition (11th ed.). Pearson Education Limited.