Food and Nutrition- the needs of the consumer

Food and nutrition
Nutritional needs

, Nutritional needs of consumers


Everyone’s energy and nutritional needs differ and continue to change with each stage of life
Factors inflicting human energy and nutritional needs:
-> age
-> activity
-> body size
-> gender
-> state of health

Pregnant women
-> foetus absorbs everything necessary to grow and develop from mothers blood
-> recommend 11-16kg weight gain during pregnancy
Malnutrition:
Low birth weight in baby


: Baby more susceptible to medical complications
Infant mortality is high
Learning disabilities can occur

Obesity:
↑ Risk of gestational diabetes and high blood pressure
↑ Premature birth


/ Baby may suffer from obesity later in life



-> more protein required for the growth of the foetus
-> helps with the growth of the placenta- supplies oxygen and nutrients to
Protein




the foetus
-> animal protein- contains essential amino acids and promotes growth

-> first 3 months: no extra kilojoules needed
Energy




-> last 6 months: intake must increase to meet the needs of the foetus
-> limit starch intake if women is less active
Carbohydrates




-> increase during last 6 months to meet the needs of the foetus
-> too low in carbohydrates- insufficient fat oxidation, slowing foetal
development
-> a few smaller meals to maintain a stable blood glucose level
-> use sparingly to prevent unnecessary weight gain in the woman, while
ensuring adequate gain in the foetus
Lipids