Health and Human Development
Functions of Nutrients
Life span stage
Prenatal
Foetal growth
very rapid
Infancy
0-12 months
Rapid rate of
growth then
slower
Childhood
Slow but
consistent rate
of growth
Adolescence
Time of rapid
growth and high
energy
requirements
Adulthood
Growth has
slowed. Energy
levels will vary
Late adulthood
Tissue
maintenance
necessary.
Reduction in
basal
metabolism and
activity
H&HD3 Nutrients
Significant nutrients
The mother requires
significant nutrients.
They include: protein,
calcium, iron, folate, vitamin
C, riboflavin and thiamin,
energy increase.
Functions specific to life span stage
Energy supply from fat and
carbohydrates
Water
Protein
Calcium
Vitamins and minerals, no
significant increase, supplied
by the mother’s milk
Calcium
Protein
Energy
Vitamins A, C
B group vitamins
Water and energy increase – infant BMR and surface area for
weight is twice adults. Water lost in evaporation. Energy
from carbohydrate and fat needed for basal metabolism, body
temperature maintenance, growth and physical activity.
Protein is needed for tissue growth and maintenance.
Calcium for tissue growth.
Energy
Protein
Calcium and phosphorus
Iron
Vitamin B group
Vitamin C
Vitamin A
Energy for growth, basal metabolism and activity. Complex
carbohydrates are the best source. Protein required for all
types of cell and tissue growth and maintenance (e.g. blood,
muscle, bones) and hormones. Calcium required for
increases in bone length, width and density and other hard
tissue. Phosphorus for hard tissue and to assist with energy
release. Iron for increased blood volume, especially for
females. B group vitamins for energy release. Vitamin C
for soft tissue growth and iron absorption. Vitamin A for
hard tissues
Energy
Proteins
Vitamins and minerals
Calcium
Requirements for tissue growth and maintenance continue.
Reduction (salt, fat) or increase (fibre) in some nutrients
necessary to prevent predisposition to diet-related diseases in
later adulthood and elderly. Energy levels for activity will
vary significantly. Lower energy required for basal
metabolism and growth. Protein, vitamins and minerals for
growth, repair and maintenance of body tissues. Calcium
levels maintained to prevent osteoporosis.
Energy – complex
carbohydrates – fibre
Protein
Water
Calcium, particularly for
women
Foods consumed should have increased nutrient density.
Energy requirements decrease, but fibre should form a
significant part of the complex carbohydrates. Protein for
repair and replacement of tissues. Water intake should be
maintained as the thirst mechanisms may reduce. Calcium
intake needed to maintain bone tissue, to reduce the risk of
osteoporosis. A reduction of B group vitamins in line with
reduced energy needs.
Protein required for foetal tissue development and extra
maternal tissue during pregnancy. Calcium is required for
the foetus. Iron is required for increase in maternal red cell
mass and for the developing placenta and foetus. Increased
energy supplies required for increased tissue development
activity. Vitamins and minerals are for the increase in
energy and protein metabolism.
Calcium needed for tissue growth and development. Energy
for basal metabolism and activity, activity levels will vary
considerably. Protein required for tissue growth. Vitamins A
and C for tissue growth. B group vitamins for energy
metabolism.
1