Nutrition in Lifecycle

Good nutrition is important for everyone. The importance of nutrition throughout the life cycle cannot be refuted. After all, we must eat to live. However the significance of nutrition at specific times of growth, development, and aging is becoming increasingly appreciated. An individual’s life cycle passes through different stages. Nutritional needs change throughout the life cycle. The number of calories and the amount of specific nutrients required will be vary based on age, sex, reproductive status, activity level, and overall health of members belongs to each stage of life cycle. Moreover, the dietary preferences vary widely based on cultural diversity, religious, and regional differences.   This three-credit course unit was formulated to provide an understanding about the critical nutritional requirements, nutritional problems, and other nutritional aspects specific to each stage of life cycle. Aims To understand of nutritional needs for different stages in life cycle.To develop an understanding of the importance of applying good nutritional practice for health and quality of life throughout the life cycle. 

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this module the students should be able to:

1.      discuss the physiological changes associated with each stage of the life cycle and the impact of these changes on nutritional needs.

2.      be aware of the importance of the provision of optimal energy and nutrient intake to ensure good health and an excellence in quality of life.

3.      identify major nutrient recommendations for each age group and the roles that these nutrients have in the body.

4.      examine nutrition-related concerns of each stage of the life cycle.

5.      describe and apply assessment parameters and tools relevant to each stage of the life cycle. 6.      describe the factors influencing food choices and nutritional status during the various stages of life.

7.      apply the basic nutrition principles to suggest ways of providing optimal nutrient levels in specific population groups and sub-groups.

8.      suggest nutrition interventions to specific stages of the life cycle.

Course contents  

Unit 1: Overview of the nutritional needs throughout the lifecycle

Unit 2: Nutrition for pregnancy

Unit 3: Nutrition for the lactating mother

Unit 4: Feeding and caring of infants: Breast-feeding, formula feeding, complementary foods

Unit 5: Nutritional needs of the preschoolers

Unit 6: Nutritional needs of school children

Unit 7: Nutrition for the adolescents

Unit 8: Nutrition for adults

Unit 9: Nutrition for elderly

Teaching methods Lectures, field visits, video shows, slide shows, case studies and assignments Assessment

Assignments (2)           10%

Poster                               10%

Quizzes / Tutorials      20%

Viva                                   10%

Final Exam                      50%