Nutrition and your family: which nutrients are most important at each age?
Ever wondered if good family nutrition requires supplements?
Our daily requirements for nutrients (e.g. vitamins, mineral and essential fatty acids) vary according to our life stage. So which nutrients should you concentrate on to make sure everyone in your family is getting the nutrition they need?
This article highlights some of the key nutrients that each family member will benefit from focusing on. Ideally they should get those nutrients from high quality, fresh foods. However if food intolerances or preferences make this awkward, supplements can often help.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding: nutrition for mother and baby
A good intake of the right nutrients is essential before conceiving, during pregnancy, and while breastfeeding. The right nutrition will keep the mother healthy while ensuring her child gets the best possible start in life.
Essential nutrients for new mothers and mothers-to-be include:
Calcium and Vitamin D3: 1000mg/day of Calcium assists with maintaining strong, healthy bones in both mother and child.
Folic Acid: 600mcg/day up to 3months before conception and in the first trimester can reduce the risk of neural tube defects (NTDs) like spina bifida.
Iodine: 220mcg/day helps to main normal brain development and growth in the unborn baby. The requirement then increases to 270mcg/day during breastfeeding.
Toddlers: fuelling intense growth and development
Rapidly growing toddlers are constantly on the go, which means they require a good nutrient intake to help them develop into healthy, happy children. Some of the most important vitamins and minerals for healthy toddler growth and development include:
Omega 3 Fatty Acids (both EPA and DHA): a good intake supports normal eye and brain development, plus DHA assists with learning and behaviour.
Zinc: 3mg/day1 supports healthy immunity and normal brain development.
Vitamin D: 5mcg (200IU)/day works together with Calcium to form healthy bones, in addition to healthy immunity.
School-age children: creating good dietary habits early
The dietary habits that children learn while they’re in school follow them into later life. That means you need to give them plenty of fresh vegetables and fruit, high-quality lean protein and wholegrain carbohydrates, together with regular, healthy snacks.
Offering children a balance of protein, carbohydrates and healthy fats will help to fuel their school, sport and family activities. Other essential vitamins and minerals to keep their energy levels and immunity up and help with their learning and development include:
DHA (essential fatty acid): just as with toddlers, good DHA levels play a role in children’s learning and behaviour.
Vitamin C: 35-40mg/day will help their white blood cells (part of their immune system) to function normally.
Iodine: 90-120mcg helps to maintain their thyroid health, which contributes to normal growth and development.
Teenagers: nutrition for changing bodies
Teenagers have unique nutritional requirements as the hormonal and emotional changes of puberty set in. Unfortunately, between the demands of their schoolwork, sports, cultural and social activities, and part-time work they can end up skipping meals and missing out on nutrients.
Vitamins and minerals to help them keep up with their busy schedules include:
B-complex vitamins: the recommended intake for each B-vitamin varies, but good levels overall are vital for brain health, energy production and nerve function.
Calcium: 1300mg/day helps teenagers to form strong, dense, healthy bones.
Iron: 8mg/day supports good energy levels and concentration in teenagers. Iron is especially important for girls, who need to replace their iron losses from menstruation.