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From the moment humans are conceived, they require nutrients to grow, develop, thrive, and adapt. Over the course of the human life cycle, nutrient requirements change significantly to accommodate the demands of the physiological priorities of tissues and cells.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n At the same time, we experience significant psychological and social changes that impact how we relate to one another, how we see our bodies, how we gain access to food, and countless other changes.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n As a <\/span>Certified Holistic Nutritionist<\/span> or nutrition professional, understanding how nutrient needs change throughout the life cycle is a small yet vital part of providing guidance and support to clients with understanding the importance of eating foods that nourish the body and support long-term health.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n The human life cycle is often divided into six stages:\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n This article provides you with an introduction to nutrient changes as we age, including main physiological changes and primary differences in nutrient requirements.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n Balanced nutrition and wellness before and <\/span>during pregnancy and after giving birth<\/span> are of vital importance to the health of the mother and the child.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n As soon as conception occurs, the embryo’s development depends on the mother’s nutritional status prior to pregnancy. During pregnancy, the pregnant person’s nutritional status and overall well-being impact the development of the embryo (up until week eight of pregnancy) and fetus (up until birth). Requirements for energy and most nutrients increase as well as the <\/span>body’s basal metabolism<\/span>. The diet needs to support the pregnant person’s body in addition to supporting the growth and development of the embryo and fetus.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n After giving birth, the body’s primary focus is on healing itself and supplying enough milk for the newborn child if the pregnant person chooses to breastfeed. The infant’s sole food source will be breast milk, formula, or a combination until they are about six months old.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n A child is in the infancy stage of development for the first two years of life. The first two years of life are marked by rapid physiological, emotional, psychological, and social development; these changes affect and depend on feeding and nutritional intake.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Regarding feeding alone, infants <\/span>experience rapid changes<\/span> in their nutritional requirements, and this requires them to learn new eating skills within short periods of time. After depending solely on breast milk or formula, complementary foods should be introduced at about six months of age.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n The complementary feeding stage can be a period of stress and anxiety for parents and caretakers who are <\/span>responsible for introducing foods<\/span>; they may worry about whether their child is eating enough or too much, eating the “right” foods, and developing expected feeding skills in a timely manner, among countless other worries.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n During infancy, the child\u2019s nutrients come primarily from breast milk or formula before the first year of life. The <\/span>World Health Organization<\/span> and the <\/span>American Academy of Pediatrics<\/span> recommend breastfeeding for at least the first two years.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Breast milk offers multiple advantages over formula, including being linked with improved cognitive development, decreased incidence and severity of infections, and saving the family money. The nutrition in breast milk also evolves to meet the child\u2019s nutritional needs.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n It is important to note, however, breastfeeding isn\u2019t appropriate for all families for a variety of reasons, in which case formula is a healthy and safe option for infants.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n For your reference, below is a summary of the <\/span>nutrient composition<\/span> mature breast milk provides.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n The period after infancy and before puberty is referred to as childhood. It is the <\/span>quietest period of growth<\/span>, as compared to the dramatic changes that occur in infancy and adolescence. While the physical changes are much slower and steadier than in earlier and later stages of growth, the childhood stage is where significant social, cognitive, and emotional growth takes place, and nutrition and diet are important allies to support these changes. Additionally, food and eating patterns adopted now can help to prevent chronic diseases in the future.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Adolescence is marked by the <\/span>start and end of puberty<\/span> and generally occurs between 12 and 21 years of age. This is a period of tremendous physiologic, psychological, and cognitive transformation driven by hormonal changes and societal expectations. Adolescents learn to become more independent, and the role of their peers, in addition to their family, becomes increasingly important. It is expected that adolescence is a period of intrapersonal and interpersonal exploration, and this can cause conflict with caretakers.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n The role of the social circle and social influences are generally very important in this life stage, making adolescents vulnerable to external expectations. Budding ideas of attractiveness, bullying, and disordered eating can be significant issues during this period, which is why healthy environments, influences, relationships with food, and eating habits are all vital topics to integrate into adolescent development.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\n
Nutrition in Pregnancy and Lactation<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n
Increased Nutrients Required During Pregnancy\u00a0<\/h3>\n
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Increased Nutrients Required During Lactation (Breastfeeding)<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n
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Nutrition in Infancy<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n
Breast Milk Nutrient Composition<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n
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Increased Nutrients Required During Infancy <\/span>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n
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Nutrition in Childhood<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n
Increased Nutrients Required During Childhood<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n
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Nutrition in Adolescence<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n
Increased Nutrients Required During Adolescence<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n
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