This document outlines dietary requirements and nutritional needs for different age groups and life stages including babies, children, adolescents, adults, the elderly, pregnant women, and those who are ill or convalescing. For each group, key nutritional needs, common deficiencies, dietary guidelines, and other considerations are described in bullet point lists. The needs and guidelines vary based on factors like growth and activity levels, health status, and life stage.

1. Dietary RequirementsDietary Requirements
For Babies, Children, Adolescents, Adults,
Elderly people and Pregnant women.
© PDST Home Economics.

2. BabiesBabies
 Time of rapid growth
 First 6 months-breast or
formula milk
 Breast feeding adv. =
antibodies, sterile, properly
balanced, convenient and free.
 Needs solids to supplement milk
after 6 months so weaning
begins after 4 months.
 Use fresh fruit and veg, starch
and protein pureed
 Do not add sugar or salt.

3. ChildrenChildren
 Time of rapid growth
 Need protein vitamins
minerals and energy
foods
 Encourage healthy
eating patterns –
parental example
 Attractive small
nutritious meals and
healthy snacks
 Don’t add salt and
sugar
 Meals based on regular
family meals
 Sweets, crisps, bars,
biscuits etc.. Not part
of normal diet
 Bread, pasta, rice,
potatoes, fruit, veg.,
meats, pulses, eggs,
cheese, milk.
 Breakfast, packed
lunch, nutritious snack,
dinner.

4. ChildrenChildren
 Discourage faddy
eating habits

5. Adolescent – NutritionalAdolescent – Nutritional
problemsproblems
 Rapid growth spurts
 Busy schedules
 Peer pressure
 Worry over physical
appearance

6. Adolescent – NutritionalAdolescent – Nutritional
problemsproblems
 Teenage girls – calcium
deficiency& iron
deficiency (anaemia).
 Boys energy needs met
by high cholesterol
fast food
 Anorexia and bulimia
nervosa.
 Badly balanced
vegetarian diets.

7. Adult dietary needsAdult dietary needs
 Need to maintain and
repair cells – protein.
 Amount of food
depends on Gender and
Activity
 Active adults need
high energy nutritious
foods e.g. cheese,
pasta and vit. B to
release the energy

8. Guidelines for adult dietsGuidelines for adult diets
 Varied diet
 Maintains a suitable
weight
 Low fat, low
cholesterol foods.
 Veg. esp. greens for
minerals and vits.
 Avoid salt and sugar
 Alcohol - 21 units
male/week 14 units
female /week

9. Dietary problems of the elderlyDietary problems of the elderly
 Lack interest in food.
 Money problem.
 Physical disability-
arthritis
 Illness can cause
demand for protein,
Vit.C, Vit.D Calcium.
 Less energy food
needed
 Less active - more
fibre
 Common deficiencies =
vit. D&C B1and Iron.

10. Dietary guidelines for theDietary guidelines for the
elderlyelderly
 Smaller nutritious meals
 Avoid processed food
 Plenty of fluid and fibre
 Food rich in Vits D, C, B1
 Special kitchen gadgets make
cooking easier
 Grocery delivery
 Meals on wheels, home help,
day centres

11. Dietary issues of people whoDietary issues of people who
are ill or convalescingare ill or convalescing
 Poor Digestion
 Poor appetite
 Nutrients required depends on
type and severity of illness.
 Protein – repair tissue
 Cellulose – inactive
 Vit. C – healing, prevent bed
sores.
 Calcium & Vit. D – bone repair
 Iron & Vit. C – replace blood
loss.
 Water – prevent dehydration
from fever, vomiting or
diarrhoea

12. Guidelines for convalescentGuidelines for convalescent
diet.diet.
 Small attractive portions
 Good nutrient balance
 Easy to eat and digest – avoid fats & oils
 Fresh food prepared hygienically
 Reduce energy rich food – inactive
 Avoid Strong flavours e.g. curry
 Suitable foods, broths, white fish , chicken,
poached egg, a little boiled potato rice or pasta,
fresh steamed veg., egg custards, milk puddings,
stewed or poached fruit.

13. Diet during pregnancyDiet during pregnancy
 Before getting
pregnant – healthy
diet + folic acid to
prevent neural tube
defects
 Extra 300 kCals /day .
 Provide for growth
with extra protein, vit
A, calcium, vit D.
 Avoid nicotine,
caffeine, alcohol

14. Dietary needs for pregnancyDietary needs for pregnancy
 Iron and vit. C to
prevent anaemia
 Deficiency of vit. K
can cause a fatal
disease in newborns.
 Thiamine to release
energy from food
 Fatty acids for
nervous system – oily
fish, liver, egg yolk
soya beans

15. Dietary difficulties duringDietary difficulties during
pregnancypregnancy
 Cravings and “going off” foods
 Nausea esp. first14 weeks dry
toast, avoid fatty foods.
 Heartburn – due to pressure on
stomach – avoid fatty and spicy
foods. Eat small meals, try
yoghurt or milk.
 Constipation – increase water and
fibre
 Avoid raw eggs, coleslaw and soft
cheeses – listeria and salmonella