National Nutrition Month Series – Connection Across All Stages of Life
In this blog post, we’ll explore ways to build connections across all stages of life. We’ll cover how nutrient needs may change with age, the importance of including healthful foods from all food groups, and how to focus on balanced, sustainable eating habits.
Why Do Nutrient Needs Change Over a Lifespan?
Nutrient needs change throughout life to support growth, development, maintenance, and disease prevention. Each stage of life brings different demands, making it important to adjust our diets accordingly.
Children:
In the first year of life, a baby’s weight typically triples, and its height can increase by about 50%. During this stage, infants are learning to respond to hunger and fullness cues, developing taste preferences, and beginning to feed themselves.
Breast milk and/or infant formula should be the primary source of nutrition for the first 4–6 months. After that, solids can be introduced gradually, with an emphasis on including a reliable source of Vitamin D.
As children grow into toddlers and beyond, calorie needs shift to support ongoing development and increased activity levels. Offering a variety of healthy foods at home continues to be important during this stage.
Teens and Young Adults:
Peak bone density is typically reached around age 20, making the teen years a critical time to support bone health. Nutrients like calcium, vitamin D, vitamin K, and magnesium play key roles in building strong bones and overall development.
Adults (Ages 19-50)
Nutrient needs during adulthood vary depending on factors such as activity level, overall health, and life events like pregnancy. At different points, adults may require more calories, protein, healthy fats, and micronutrients like folate, DHA, calcium, and iron.
Older Adults
As we age, some people experience a decrease in appetite and mobility, which can make it more difficult to meet daily nutrition and hydration needs. Prioritizing nutrient-dense foods and staying hydrated becomes especially important in the later years of life.