Sem III- Nutrition through Life Cycle Major 3 2025-2026

  • Nutrition is vital throughout the life cycle, from conception to death, influencing health and well-being at each stage. Nutritional needs change with each life stage, with increased requirements during periods of rapid growth and development, such as pregnancy, infancy, childhood, and adolescence. Adequate nutrition is crucial for optimal fetal development, immune function, cognitive growth, and overall health. 

  • Pregnancy:

    • Adequate maternal nutrition is essential for fetal development and a healthy pregnancy. 
    Infancy:
    Breast milk provides the optimal nutrition for infants in the first six months, with solid foods introduced gradually after that.
    • Childhood and Adolescence:
      These are periods of rapid growth and development, requiring sufficient protein, calcium, iron, and other essential nutrients. 
      • Adulthood:
        Nutritional needs are generally more stable in adulthood, but maintaining a balanced diet is crucial for overall health and disease prevention. 
        • Seniors:
          Nutritional needs may change in older age, with some individuals needing more or less of certain nutrients, and with a greater emphasis on preventing nutrient deficiencies. 
        • Nutrient Needs Vary:
          The specific nutrients needed (e.g., proteins, carbs, fats, vitamins, minerals) and the amount of each may change as we progress through the life cycle. 
        • Impact on Health:
          Nutrition has a cumulative impact on health outcomes, with good nutrition in early life potentially setting the stage for better health in later years