Nutrition for

Special Situations

Unit 6HUM-FNW-6

Created by Katie Gilbert FosterLocust Grove High School Nutrition and Food Science

Standard• HUM-FNW-6: Investigate the health and

nutrition requirements of individuals and families with special needs.

o 6.1 Determine the health and nutrition requirements of athletes, young children, and older adults

o 6.2 Determine the health and nutrition requirements for vegetarians and people with food allergens.

Nutrition for Young Children

• Ages 6-12 children grow continuously • They develop many habits they will carry with

them throughout their lifetime.• This is the time for parents to set good examples

for their children and encourage them to try new foods.

• DO NOT use food as a reward or punishment.

Nutrition for Young Children

• 6 year olds and 12 year olds need different amounts of food but the same types of foods.

• Children’s appetites are fairly regular so you can judge their energy needs.

• Just like us they should be getting food from all food groups at each meal

• They prefer familiar foods but they still need those that are nutrient dense.

Nutrition for Young Children

• As they get older they will want more variety and want to try more foods.

• Their serving sizes will also increase.• Each meal should supply about 1/3 of the days

needed nutrients and calories. • Many children have trouble eating enough foods

that meet their nutritional needs.

Nutrition for Young Children

• Snacks can provide additional nutrients and can be things that children enjoy.o Fresh Fruito Raw Vegetableso Low-fat Cheeseo Yogurto Raisinso Whole grain crackers with peanut butter

Nutrition for Young Children

• Children who skip breakfast don’t obtain the nutrients they need.

• Breakfast provide ¼ of the days nutrientso Think outside the box: Breakfast

• Yogurt• Tomato soup

* More important for them to eat breakfast than to skip it.

Nutrition Amounts for Young Children

Ages 4-8 Need…o 1-1 ½ cups Fruito 1 ½ cups

Vegetableso 5 oz Grainso 4 oz Proteino 2 ½ cups Dairy o 4 tsp Oil

Ages 9-13 Need…o 1 ½ cups Fruito 2 cups Vegetableso 5 oz Grainso 5 oz Proteino 3 cups Dairyo 5 tsp Oil

Nutrition for Older Adults

• Foods eaten by older adults need to be more nutrient dense than those younger than them.

• Older adults o Decrease physical activity o Need less energy to carry on vital processeso Require fewer calories

Nutrition for Older Adults

• Diets of older adults tend to be LOW in the following…o Calciumo Potassiumo Fibero Magnesiumo Vitamins A, C & E

* For some older adults B12 and D are also concerns.

Osteoporosis in Older Adults

• Osteoporosis is a major problem for older adults

• Older woman are at the greatest risk for this because women have less bone mass then men.

• Women also have more demands on their calcium stores than men because of pregnancies.

• Hormonal changes after menopause also contribute to osteoporosis.

• Increasing your calcium after osteoporosis develops will not cure osteoporosis.

Special Problem in Older Adults

• Limited Income o Can’t afford nutritious foodso Food Stamp Programs

• Difficulty in Shoppingo Cause them to miss mealso Some grocery stores deliver for a small feeo Meals on Wheelso Church and Civil groups

• Lonelinesso Unappealing to eato Eating is a social activity for someo Senior Centers (nutritious meals & activities)o Church & Civic Centers

Nutrition Amounts for Older Adults

• Woman 51+ Need…o 1 ½ cups of Fruito 2 cups of

Vegetableso 5 oz Grainso 5 oz Proteino 3 cups of Dairyo 5 tsp Oil

• Men 51+ Need…o 2 Cups Fruito 2 ½ Cups

Vegetableso 6 oz Grainso 5 ½ oz Proteino 3 Cups Dairy o 6 tsp Oil

Nutrition for Athletes• Athletes have a high need for increased calories• 55-60% should come from complex

carbohydrates. (whole grain breads, cereals, pasta, rice and starchy vegetables)

• Choose lean meats and protein• Low-fat and fat free dairy products to meet the

need for calcium. • Fresh fruits and vegetable will furnish the needed

vitamins and minerals.

Nutrition for Athletes• Most athletes can meet their nutrition needs if

they are following MyPlate. • Added supplements are not necessary unless a

registered dietician is consulted and advises that there is a need for this. o Costlyo Ineffectiveo Dangerous

Dehydration in Athletes

• Water is most likely to affect sports performance.• Loosing a lot of fluids during practice and

competitions which can cause dehydration to happen quickly.o Before the event begin drinking fluids.o During the event drink ½ -1 cup of water in 15 minute

intervals.o After you should consume more fluids.

Dehydration in Athletes

• Sodium in sports drinks replaces the lost sodium during the event.

• Water along with a normal well balanced diet can make up for the loss of sodium during an event.

Nutrition for Vegetarians

• A Vegetarian eats a diet built partly or entirely on plant foods.

• Lacto-ovo vegetarians include dairy products and eggs.

• Vegans eat no animal products or animal by-products. o Protein sources: legumes, nuts and grains.

Nutrient Concerns for Vegetarians

• Vitamin D• Vitamin B12• Calcium• Iron• Zinc

• Certain deficiencies can stunt growth in infants, children & teens.

• They can affect the health of pregnant & lactating woman & their babies

* People in these groups need to consult a dietitian about their diet to make sure they are consuming the correct nutrients.

Nutrition for those with Food Allergens

• A food allergy involves a response to the body’s immune system. o Blood Test will verify if you have these allergies.

• Symptoms May Includeo Diarrheao Vomitingo Skin Rasheso Runny Nose

• Most Common Food Allergies-Milk - Eggs-Fish - Shellfish-Tree nuts -Peanuts-Wheat -Soybeans

Resources• Largen, V., & Bence, D. (2008). Guide to good

food. Tinley Parks, Illinois: The Goodheart-Willcox Company, Inc.