Dietary Guidelines

for Different Population

Groups Subject: Human
Nutrition and
Dietetics
Student: Isela
Menjivar
Contents

●Pregnant Women

●Infants and Preterm Infants (0-1

years) ●Older Adults

●Pre School Children ●Low-Income Groups

●School Aged Children ●Diets Around the World

●Adolescents ● Online References and Bibliography

●Adults (19-64 years)

 Pregnant Women - Important Nutrients
Folic Acid: brain and spinal cord Calcium: Bone development /
development high demand
(800 mg/day) (1000 mg/day)
Daily Supplements Low Fat Dairy
Spinach, Asparagus, Bananas, Soy Milk and Cheese
Beans Green Leaf Vegetables
Nuts Iron (27 mg/day), Iodine (220
mcg/day) and Zinc (12 mg/day):
Red Blood Cells, Basic Development,
Immune System
Red meat, Iodized salt, Cereals -
Dairy products

Vitamins: A, D, E ,C
Bones growth, Red Blood Cells
and Muscles, Immune System
Omega 3 Fatty Acids Carrots, Milk , Eggs, Fish, Nuts,
Brain development Citrus, Tomatoes
Fish such as sardines, but avoid
varieties which accumulate
methylmercury
 Pregnant Women - Dietetic and Other
Recommended Practices
Achieve Energy Requirements
and do not overeat
Healthy Balanced Diet is the Key
E.g. 100 kcal extra in the early to fulfill nutrient and energy
stages requirements
200 kcal extra in the next 6 Make sure to eat 2 servings of
months fruit and 4 servings of Vegetables
Avoid Certain Foods and Practices
that may lead to birth defects and
miscarriage
Alcohol, Drugs, Smoking
Caffeine

Food Safety is Essential to prevent

food borne disease
Washing, Cleaning and Preparing
Avoid over intake of Vitamin A food properly
(risk of birth defects) and be aware Avoid uncooked and
of eating Fish with methyl unpasteurized food
mercury accumulation (Nervous
system damage) Be careful with pets
 Infants and Preterm Infants – Important
Nutrients
Breast Milk
High Requirement of micro and Considered the most nutritional
Macro Nutrients option for newborns
Vitamins A, D, E, K, Minerals, Provides the right amount of
Fats, Fatty Acids, Carbohydrates, energy and nutrients,
Proteins Immunoglobulins (colostrum),
Proteins, Fats, Sugar (Lactose)
Vitamin D and Iron
Supplements and formulas ensure
the evolving needs for nutrients or
susbstitute breast milk in special
cases

Preterm Baby
Babies born at 37 weeks or earlier
Preterm Babies Organ under development
Higher Nutritional Needs to help (Lungs, Intestines, Bones)
them survive and develop: Higher Weakened Immune System
Calorie intake, Iron, Protein, Fats Anemia: Iron Defficiency
 Infants and Preterm Infants - Dietetic and
Other Recommended Practices
Ensure Energy
Enough Calorie Intake to Ensure Only breastfeeding should be the
Growth Requirements first option up to 6 months
(100 kcal/kg.day) Contraindications of breast
Babies should be fed many times feeding include Galactosemia,
a day Tuberculosis, HIV,
Chemotherapy, Drugs

Breastfeed time should be enough to

provide foremilk and hind milk
Proper Infant Formulas can be used
in special cases or as supplements

Avoid high fluid intake as it causes

Food Safety is Essential calorie/nutrient dilution
Washing, Cleaning and Preparing Introduction of Solid Food
food properly Desired from 6 months e.g.
starting from iron fortified cereal
Proper Storage of Pumped Breast
milk
 Pre School Children – Important Nutrients
Ensure all basic nutrients and Proteins: create body build cells,
energy needs break down food into energy,
Calcium, Iron and Folate are fight infection, and carry oxygen
highly necessary for the Beans, Dairy, Meat, Eggs, Fish,
development of the body Nuts
Carbohydrates: Main source of
energy for the body. Right choices
should be high in fiber and less in
refined sugars.
Breads, Cereal, Rice, Potatoes, Corn

Fats: Good source of energy for

kids. Also important in helping the
body to use other nutrients it
needs, such as vitamins
Vitamin A, C and Fiber: Vitamins Dairy, meat, oils, Nuts
helping growth, assisting eyes, and
infections
Fiber regulate bowel moves and
prevents cardiovascular disease
Fruits, vegetables
Pre School Children - Dietetic and Other
Recommended Practices
Ensure Energy Include Fruits, vegetables, grains,
Enough Calories to Ensure protein foods, and dairy in the
Growth, Development and daily diet
Physical Activity (1000-1400 Regulate the amount of added
kcal/day) sugars, sodium, and saturated
Physical Activity is highly (solid) fat.
important The preschool years are an
important time for developing
healthy habits for life
Encourage balanced eating and
healthier choices for snacks

Picky eating is a typical behavior

for many preschoolers
Preparing foods in an “attractive”
way might help
Food Safety is Essential
Show nutritious food as “tasty not
Washing, Cleaning and Preparing healthy”
food properly
Encourage hygienic practices
 School Aged Children – Important Nutrients

Calcium, magnesium, potassium, Zinc, Iodine, Iron and Folate play

and fiber are usually not an important role in the learning
consumed in the right amount functions
Low fat dairy products, fruits, Spinach, Soy, Eggs, Low fat meat,
vegetables and whole meal bread fish, peanuts, cereals
Fish
Fish provides protein and several
vitamins and minerals, and oily fish
provides the long chain omega-3
fatty acids.

Protein builds, maintains and

repairs body tissue. It is especially
important for growth
Sources of protein for children
Encourage children to drink fluid include meat, fish, poultry, milk
regularly during physical activity and other dairy.
and to drink several glasses of
water along the day
 School Aged Children – Dietetic and Other
Recommended Practices
Energy Requirements
Enough Calories to ensure Special attention should be paid
consistent growth, learning and to the portion sizes
physical activity (1600-2500 Regulate the amount of added
kcal/day) sugars, sodium, and saturated
At least 60 min/day of physical (solid) fat.
activity School-age children are willing to
eat a wider variety of foods, and can
be taught to select healthier food
choices.
Include Fruits, vegetables, grains,
protein foods, and dairy in the daily
diet

Eating three meals a day and two

nutritious snacks
Breakfast is important to top up
Food Safety is Essential children’s energy stores for the
Washing, Cleaning and Preparing morning’s activities.
food properly
Encourage hygienic practices,
such as teeth cleaning.
 Adolescents – Important Nutrients

Total Nutrient Needs are Higher Protein is especially important

than in any other time in the for growth and sexual maturation
lifecycle. Carbohydrate sources high in
Over consumption of saturated dietary fiber should be chosen
fat, refined sugar, cholesterol and Saturated fats should be avoided
sodium is highly common Calcium needs during adolescence
are greater than in childhood or
adulthood because of the dramatic
increase in skeletal growth
Zinc is important in adolescence
because of its role in growth and
sexual maturation

Iron
Supports growth and the
expansion of blood volume and
muscle mass: 11 mg/day for males
(14-18)
Vitamins A, E, C and Folate
contribute to the sexual Menstruation imposes additional
maturation and iron needs for girls : 15 mg/day for
immunological response females 14-18
 Adolescents - Dietetic and Other
Recommended Practices

Energy needs of adolescents are Healthier food choices are now

influenced by sex, activity level, a personal responsibility
basal metabolic rate, and Unhealthy foods high in
increased growth cholesterol, sodium and
(2200-2900 kcal /day) saturated fat are usually over
consumed
To ensure enough vitamin, mineral
and fiber intake consume fruit,
vegetables, and whole grains in the
daily diet
Balanced meals during the day help
avoiding obesity or eating disorders

Avoid Alcohol and Smoking

The use of tobacco and other
Soft drinks substances leads to poorer quality
diets, producing chronic diseases
May displace the and mineral and vitamin deficiencies
consumption of more
nutrient-dense beverages,
such as milk and juices
 Adults (19-64 years) – Important Nutrients

Energy and nutrients Important nutrients for women’s

requirements do not change health include iron, calcium,
greatly between the ages of 19 magnesium and folate.
and 64 years, except during Relevant nutrients for men
pregnancy or lactation, but do include selenium and lycopene,
vary according to gender and which may play role in
activity levels. protecting against prostate
cancer. Dietary fiber, Vitamin E and B
Consumption of wholegrain foods
lower the risk of cardiovascular
diseases, type 2 diabetes, and reduce
the risk of colorectal and esophageal
cancers

Essential fatty acids Omega 3 and 6 are

important due to their positive effect
on blood cholesterol ad blood pressure.
Fruits and Vegetables not only
contribute to the daily vitamin intake Salmon, sardines, avocado, nuts,
but also help maintain a healthy flaxseed and pumpkin seeds, spinach,
BMI, which is highly important to kale
prevent serious diseases
 Adults (19-64 years) - Dietetic and Other
Recommended Practices
Energy requirements fall when Healthier food choices and
growth stops, but requirements maintaining an ideal BMI (18.5-
continue to vary depending on 22.9)
the age, gender and activity level
of the individual. Strongly related to the
prevention of chronic diseases
(2000-2500 kcal /day) such as some types of cancers
and diabetes. Total fat should be limited to 25-
30% of total calorie intake, of which
less than 10% is from saturated fat.
Saturated fat is a major concern as it
contributes to obesity, heart
diseases, hypertension and diabetes.

Physical Activity
150 minutes (2.5 hours) of moderate
intensity activity, or 75 minutes of
vigorous intensity activity over the
Limit or Avoid Smoking and course of a week.
Drinking
Helps maintaining a healthy weight
These practices are related to and controlling anxiety and stress
several types of cancer and
brain damage
 Older Adults – Important Nutrients

Dietary recommendations for fat, Vitamin B12 absorption is

carbohydrate and dietary fiber decreased, so consumption
are the same for older people should be increased
although the ability to digest,
absorb, metabolise nutrients Include fish, meat, poultry,
eggs, milk, and milk products Skin becomes less efficient to
changes with age … produce Vitamin D from sunlight
Take a supplement containing
10mg of vitamin D daily and eat
foods containing vitamin D e.g.
oily fish and fortified breakfast
cereals

Calcium intake and absorption is

less in the older ages, which leads to
bone mass loss and osteoporosis
Potassium, Magnesium and The ideal source of calcium is from
Omega 3 Fats are still food products such as dairy and
important nutrients for the vegetables and not supplements
elderly as they maintain basic
functions in the body
 Older Adults - Dietetic and Other
Recommended Practices
Healthy Weight
Energy requirements decrease
with advancing age. This is due to Being underweight and/or
changes in body composition malnourished increases the
(more fat, less muscle) and the risk of disease, delays
level of activity recovery from illness and
Physical Activity
adversely affects body
1600-2000 kcal/day Being active can protect against
function
osteoporosis via its effects on muscle
strength, coordination, flexibility
and balance.
Moreover helps to prevent
depression, anxiety and exclusion

Sense of taste and smell can alter

with age, and this can affect appetite
and enjoyment of food.
It is important for older people to eat
High intakes of sodium (salt), fat, a varied diet to ensure an adequate
energy and alcohol are linked supply of all the essential vitamins
with high blood pressure, which and minerals.
is a major risk factor for
dementia and Parkinson's and
stroke.
 Low Income Groups – Global Situation

Economy and food.. Hunger and undernutrition..

As a result of the rising food undernutrition is a condition
prices and the global economic that results from a diet in
recession, nearly one billion which energy and
people in the world are now nutrients are not enough to
suffering from hunger sustain healthy living The prevalence of
undernourishment varies
significantly from region to region:
In sub-Saharan Africa around 30 per
cent of the population, followed by
Asia with 16 per cent and Latin
America and the Caribbean with 10
per cent.

In developed countries,
energy-dense diets that are
nutrient-poor are mostly
The consumption of refined consumed by groups with
grains and added fats has been lower economic status.
associated with lower incomes
which derives in high obesity
rates
 Low Income Groups – Dietary Strategies

When establishing a balanced and

healthy diet for low income The key is to combine nutritional
groups, the aim is to maximize the advice with food prices analysis
resources in order to include as The results are “energy- cost”
much as nutrient-dense food as and “nutrient-cost” comparisons
possible in the daily consumption across foods and food groups.
Milk, yogurt, eggs, beans, potatoes,
carrots, cabbage, citrus juices and
fortified cereals
Offer high nutrient density at low
cost, as do many canned and
frozen foods, such as vegetables
and fruits.

Lack of information
Community education, and
governmental and social programs
Local Farming have also proven to be highly
beneficial when dealing with
Small-scale approaches to nutritional problems among
agriculture allows the populations populations
maintain their own food sources,
reduce waste and have an
additional source of income.
 Diets Around the World - Dietary Practices

The diets of the populations

around the world is highly The typical food products of each
conditioned by the geographical region is highly related to the
and climate zone, the economical climate, as this sets the variety of
resources and cultural and fruits, vegetables, carbohydrates
religious aspects and animal products readily
available
The variety and type of food
products included on the daily
basis will also be determined by
the economical sources, as higher
varieties and healthier options are
often related to higher incomes

Religious and cultural aspects will also

result in dietary restrictions and often
fasting practices.
Nowadays the increase on the Veganism, vegetarianism and the
processed and fast food exclusion of some animal products is
availability and migration is also often related to religion
modifying traditional dietary
practices, often in a negative way
 Diets Around the World – Dietary Strategies

While the nutritional and energy

requirements are the same for all For example African, Caribbean
humans at different stages of life, and Latin Populations have
some specific genetic factors higher risks of developing
influence the risk of developing diabetes, hypertension and
chronic diseases … obesity in comparison to Asian
and European Populations
Although the traditional diets mostly
comply with the dietary guidelines, in
order to prevent chronic diseases, the
strategy is to strictly regulate the
amount of saturated fats, refined
sugars and sodium in these
populations

In the case of the restriction of

certain food products related to
cultural and religious reasons,
alternatives should be included
Readily available vegetables and in the diet to ensure the right
fruits typical from each region amount of nutrients
should be part of the daily diet,
as they a cheaper food options
and contribute to a balanced diet
 References
• Thomas , B , Bishop, J; Manual of Dietetic Practice; 18 Jun 2007; Wiley-Blackwell; 4th Edition

• School Children Nutrients http://www.parents.com/kids/nutrition/healthy-eating/must-eat-

nutrients/

• Picky Eating in Pre School Aged Children https://www.choosemyplate.gov/preschoolers-picky-

eating

• Nutrition for Pre School Children http://www.webmd.com/parenting/features/serve-up-good-

nutrition-for-preschool-children#3

• School Age Nutrition http://www.stanfordchildrens.org/en/topic/default?id=school-aged-child-

nutrition--90-P02280

• Nutrition for School Children http://www.myvmc.com/lifestyles/nutrition-for-school-children/

• Adults Dietary Guidelines https://www.nutrition.org.uk/nutritionscience/life/adults.html

• Healthy Eating for Vegans and Vegetarians

https://www.nutrition.org.uk/healthyliving/healthyeating/vegan-and-
vegetarian.html?limit=1&start=4
 References
• Essential Fatty Acids http://www.dailyperricone.com/2008/12/best-food-choices-for-
omega-3-and-omega-6-and-omega-9-essential-fatty-acids/

• Alcohol Abuse in Older Adults http://www.drugfree.org/news-service/depression-anxiety-

top-reasons-older-adults-abuse-drugs-or-alcohol-survey-finds/

• Older Adults Dietary Guidelines https://www.nutrition.org.uk/nutritionscience/life/older-

adults.html?limit=1&start=1

• Social Class and Diet Quality http://ajcn.nutrition.org/content/87/5/1107.full

• Low Income and a Healthy diet

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2847733/

• Hunger and Food Security http://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/hunger/

• Healthy Eating for Vegans and Vegetarians

https://www.nutrition.org.uk/healthyliving/healthyeating/vegan-and-
vegetarian.html?limit=1&start=4