1. Nutrition for Special Situations
Unit 6
HUM-FNW-6
Created by Katie Gilbert Foster
Locust Grove High School
Nutrition and Food Science

2. Standard
HUM-FNW-6: Investigate the health and nutrition requirements of individuals and families with special needs.
6.1 Determine the health and nutrition requirements of athletes, young children, and older adults
6.2 Determine the health and nutrition requirements for vegetarians and people with food allergens.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. Nutrition for Young Children
Snacks can provide additional nutrients and can be things that children enjoy.
Fresh Fruit
Raw Vegetables
Low-fat Cheese
Yogurt
Raisins
Whole grain crackers with peanut butter

7. Nutrition for Young Children
Children who skip breakfast don’t obtain the nutrients they need.
Breakfast provide ¼ of the days nutrients
Think outside the box: Breakfast
Yogurt
Tomato soup
* More important for them to eat breakfast than to skip it.

8. Nutrition Amounts for Young Children
Ages 9-13 Need…
1 ½ cups Fruit
2 cups Vegetables
5 oz Grains
5 oz Protein
3 cups Dairy
5 tsp Oil
Ages 4-8 Need…
1-1 ½ cups Fruit
1 ½ cups Vegetables
5 oz Grains
4 oz Protein
2 ½ cups Dairy
4 tsp Oil

9. Nutrition for Older Adults
Foods eaten by older adults need to be more nutrient dense than those younger than them.
Older adults
Decrease physical activity
Need less energy to carry on vital processes
Require fewer calories

10. Nutrition for Older Adults
Diets of older adults tend to be LOW in the following…
Calcium
Potassium
Fiber
Magnesium
Vitamins A, C & E
* For some older adults B12 and D are also concerns.

11. 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.

12. Special Problem in Older Adults
Limited Income
Can’t afford nutritious foods
Food Stamp Programs
Difficulty in Shopping
Cause them to miss meals
Some grocery stores deliver for a small fee
Meals on Wheels
Church and Civil groups
Loneliness
Unappealing to eat
Eating is a social activity for some
Senior Centers (nutritious meals & activities)
Church & Civic Centers

13. Nutrition Amounts for Older Adults
Men 51+ Need…
2 Cups Fruit
2 ½ Cups Vegetables
6 oz Grains
5 ½ oz Protein
3 Cups Dairy
6 tsp Oil
Woman 51+ Need…
1 ½ cups of Fruit
2 cups of Vegetables
5 oz Grains
5 oz Protein
3 cups of Dairy
5 tsp Oil

14. 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.

15. 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.
Costly
Ineffective
Dangerous

16. 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.
Before the event begin drinking fluids.
During the event drink ½ -1 cup of water in 15 minute intervals.
After you should consume more fluids.

17. 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.

18. 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.
Protein sources: legumes, nuts and grains.

19. 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.

20. Nutrition for those with Food Allergens
A food allergy involves a response to the body’s immune system.
Blood Test will verify if you have these allergies.
Symptoms May Include
Diarrhea
Vomiting
Skin Rashes
Runny Nose
Most Common Food Allergies
-Milk - Eggs
-Fish - Shellfish
-Tree nuts -Peanuts
-Wheat -Soybeans

21. Resources
Largen, V., & Bence, D. (2008). Guide to good food. Tinley Parks, Illinois: The Goodheart-Willcox Company, Inc.