In: Biology
Discuss the physiological basis for nutrient requirements from childhood through adolescence years.
Nutrient requirement means inorder to maintain a persons health certain nutrients are required in normal amounts.Food provides energy and nutrients.Nutrients include protein,carbohydrates,fats,vitamins,minerals,and water.Childrens need a wide variety of food to eat,because childhood is the growing stage and if the nutrient requirements are not fullfilled appropriately,there is chance of developing diseases.Protein rich food are important for the childs growth and development.
In the newborn stage breast milk is important for the proper growth of baby a nd also for developing babies immune system.For developing the babies immunity there is a special component in the breast milk,ie,immune defense proteins.It has to be given for up to six months.Proteis,vitamins,minerals,carbhydrates,fat are present in human milk.
For childrens proteins ,carbohydrates,fat,calcium,iron,folate,fiber and vitamin A is necessary.Proteins are the building blocks.It helps to build cells.It helps in fight against infection,and also helps in breakdown of food into energy.Some of the protein rich food are beans,egg,dairy products,fish.Carbohydrates are the bodys most important source of energy.It use fat and protein for bulding and repairing tissues.Some of the important carbohydrate food are potsto,bread,rice.Fat helps the body to properly use other nutrients when the body needs.Some impoprtant fat rich food are nuts,fish.Calcium is essential for the growth and development of childrens teeth and bones.It also helps in bloodclotting.Food which are high in calcium are milk,cheese,spinach,eggyolk.Iron helps in carrying oxygen to cells through out the body.High iron content food are liver,nuts,red meat,shellfish.Folate rich food are spinach,chickpeas,asparagus.Fiber is important because it helps in bowel regularity.Foods that are high in fibre are kidneybeans,nuts,lentils.Vitamin A is necessary because it helps in the nourishment of skin and also helps in preventing infections.Foods that contain vitamin A are egg yolks,fish oils,carrot,cabbage.
Adolescence is the period of transition .In this period growth rate is very highfast.Adolescent nutrition is required is required for the physical growth and and also for preventing future health problems.Energy needs of adolescents are influenced by the age,level of activity.Adolescent females require 2200 calaries per day and males required 2500-3000 calories/day.Fat,calcium,zinc,iron ,fiber and vitamins are required for the proper physiological function of the body.