1. Growth and activity Rapid growth of foetal tissue, for example bones Rapid growth of maternal tissue for example breast A pregnant woman should focus on increasing her quality of food rather than the quantity; energy needs increase in the last three months of pregnancy. Nutrients required Protein For growth of maternal and foetal tissue For secondary source of energy Calcium and phosphorus For growth of foetal skeletal tissue For maintenance of maternal bones Iron For extra maternal and foetal blood volume Folate For cell multiplication Carbohydrates and fats For energy for growth of foetal and maternal tissue and for the extra weight the pregnant woman carries B group vitamins For release of energy Conception to birth

2. INFANCY BIRTH to 2 Growth and activity Rapid growth requires increased energy Increased height and weight Growth of muscles and bones Eruption of primary teeth Becomes active e.g start to walk Breast or formula milk until 4-6 months Nutrients required Protein For rapid growth of muscles and bones Calcium and phosphorus For bone and teeth development Carbohydrates and fat For energy for rapid growth and for activity B group vitamins For release of energy

3. Childhood Growth and activity Slow and steady growth Increased height and weight Growth of muscles, skin, bones and teeth Increased activity (e.g playing) Nutrients required Calcium and phosphorus For hardening of bones and teeth Protein For growth of soft tissue (for example muscles and skin) and hard tissue (examples bones and teeth) Carbohydrates and fat For energy for slow and steady growth and activity B group vitamins For release of energy Water For greater surface area to volume in childhood so greater chance of dehydration The nutritional requirements are similar for boy and girls during this stage of the lifespan

4. Adolescence Growth and activity Rapid growth combined with activity levels mean energy levels are high Growth of long bones in the legs and widening of shoulders in males and hips in females Muscle development in males Fat deposits in females Nutritional requirements Protein For rapid growth of muscles and bones For hormones Calcium and phosphorus For hardening of bone and teeth Iron For increase in blood volume due to rapid growth Carbohydrate and fat For energy for rapid growth and activity B group vitamins For release of energy

5. Early – middle adulthood Growth and activity Growth slows down (except during pregnancy) Nutrients mainly used for maintenance and repair Menopause in women Nutrients required Calcium and phosphorus For hardening of tissue Carbohydrate and fat For growth (which is slowing down) and activity B group vitamins For release of energy Protein For repair and maintenance of cells (and some growth)

6. Late adulthood Growth and activity Decreased basal metabolism rate Reduction in physical strength and muscle elasticity Thinning of the bones is common in postmenopausal women Reduction in sight and hearing Redistribution of fat Nutrition requirements Protein For repair and maintenance of cells Calcium and phosphorus For maintenance of bone density Carbohydrate and fat For energy but less due to activity and growth B group vitamins For energy release Fibre For healthy bowels Water For healthy bowels