Nutrition for Pregnancy and Lactation

Pregnancy and Lactation

• During the first trimester, daily needs for the embryo and fetus are smaller than in the second and third trimesters.
• Excessive exercise and inadequate energy intake may yield inadequate maternal weight gain and impede fetal growth.
• Guidelines for weight gain:
• Pre-pregnancy BMI (Body Mass Index) of 26-29: 7-11.5 kg
• Obese (>29): >6 kg Most of this weight gain occurs during the 2nd and 3rd trimesters.

Energy and Macronutrients During Pregnancy

• Recommended daily allowance (RDA) for energy: 300 kcal/day more than pre-pregnancy
• Weight gain is the best indicator of adequate calorie intake
• No weight loss is advised during pregnancy, even for obese women
• Macronutrients:
• Protein: RDA - 60g/day
• Fats: >10% of daily calories
• Carbohydrates: Complex carbs, fiber-rich diet; increased B vitamins (Thiamin, Riboflavin, Niacin, Pantothenic acid)
• Folate and iron intake are higher

Foods and Substances to Avoid During Pregnancy

• Avoid alcohol and moderate caffeine intake
• Substance abuse:
• Miscarriage
• Premature delivery
• Low birth weight
• Infant addiction
• Infant mortality
• Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)
• Fetal growth retardation
• Birth defects
• Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD)

Lactation

• RDA for lactation: additional 500 kcal and 12-15g protein per day
• Recommended higher intake levels for minerals
• Fluids are important for adequate milk production: 2 liters/day, at least 1 cup of water per breast feeding
• Avoid tobacco, alcohol, and drugs

Infancy, Childhood, and Adolescence

Nutrition for Infants

• Energy RDA for infants:
• Protein: 39%
• Fat: 55%
• Carbohydrates: 15%
• Primary functions of energy-yielding nutrients:
• Protein: growth
• Fat: energy
• Carbohydrates: energy and enhances absorption of calcium and phosphorus
• Important micronutrients:
• Vitamin D
• Vitamin K
• Fluoride
• Iron
• Vitamin B12

Nutrition for Childhood

• Energy and protein RDA:
• 1-3 years: 102 kcal/kg, 1.2 g protein/kg
• 4-6 years: 90 kcal/kg, 1.1 g protein/kg
• 7-10 years: 70 kcal/kg, 1.0 g protein/kg
• Food guide pyramid for young children (6-12 years):
• Milk group: 2 servings
• Meats group: 2 servings
• Vegetables: 3 servings
• Fruits: 2 servings
• Bread, rice, pasta: 6 or more servings
• Important micronutrients:
• Iron
• Zinc
• Vitamin E
• Vitamin D

Nutrition for Adolescence

• Energy and protein RDA:
• Males:
• 11-14 years: 55 kcal/kg, 1.0 g protein/kg
• 15-18 years: 45 kcal/kg, 0.9 g protein/kg
• Females:
• 11-14 years: 47 kcal/kg, 1.0 g protein/kg
• 15-18 years: 40 kcal/kg, 0.8 g protein/kg
• Important micronutrients:
• Iron
• Vitamin A
• Calcium

Older Adults

• Age-related physiological changes:
• Decreased muscle mass
• Decreased bone density
• Decreased immune function
• Decreased saliva production
• Decreased digestive secretion
• Decreased lactose secretion
• Decreased GI motility
• Decreased cardiac output
• Decreased blood volume
• Decreased kidney function
• Decreased immune function
• Decreased vitamin absorption

Nutrition for Older Adults

• Age-related changes and nutrient needs:
• Decreased muscle mass: decreased need for calories
• Decreased bone density: increased need for calcium and vitamin D
• Decreased immune function: increased need for vitamin B6, vitamin E, and zinc
• Food guide pyramid for older adults:
• Calcium, vitamin D, and vitamin B12: may be needed
• Fats, oils, sweets: use sparingly
• Meats, yogurt, and cheese: 3 servings
• Vegetables: 3 or more servings
• Fruits: 2 or more servings
• Bread, rice, pasta: 6 or more servings
• Water: 8 or more servings
• Important micronutrients:
• Iron
• Magnesium
• Zinc
• Vitamin B6
• Folate
• Vitamin B12
• Vitamin D
• Calcium

Vegetarian

• Types of vegetarians:
• Vegan: eats only foods of plant origin
• Lacto-vegetarian: includes dairy products
• Ovo-lacto-vegetarian: includes egg and dairy products
• Semi-vegetarian: consumes white meat (fish and chicken) but not red meat
• Protein quality and quantity:
• Plant protein alone can provide enough of the essential and non-essential amino acids as long as sources of dietary protein are fairly varied and energy intake is adequate
• Vitamins and minerals:
• Vegetarians tend to eat more vitamin C and B complex
• However, vitamin A and B12 are lacking in plant foods
• Vegans can obtain vitamin B12 from fortified breakfast cereals, fortified soy beverages, nutritional yeast, and vitamin supplements
• Iron: fortified and whole grain cereals, dried beans, dark green vegetables, brewer's yeast, and dried fruits

This quiz covers the importance of nutrition during pregnancy and lactation, including daily needs, exercise, and energy intake for fetal growth and maternal health.