Digestion and Enzymes Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Digestion and Enzymes - Assignment Example More protein is additionally required to match the active growth by rapidly dividing cells. At this stage also, there is need to provide sufficient vitamins in general, in order to build a strong immune system. Iron and zinc levels such as in legumes are important to lower risks of allergic reactions. Adolescents equally require more carbohydrates and proteins to match their rapid growth rates and active lifestyles. An increase of calcium and iron intake is recommended for the growing bones. For the females who have started going through their menses, additional iron and fluid intake is highly required to aid in replacement of blood lost during menstruation (Farrell & Nicoteri, 2007, 411). Pregnant women require more than usual iron for efficient oxygen transport in the body, both for the mother’s and baby’s nourishment. Increasing vitamin C intake helps iron absorption from foods. If planning for a pregnancy, 400 micrograms of folate per day is recommended. An increase of daily folate intake to 600 micrograms during actual pregnancy is advised to avoid neural tube defects (like spina bifida). Increase in iodine for normal growth and development of the baby during pregnancy is additionally stressed. For lactating women, an excess of 750-1000 ml a day of fluids is required to reduce the risk of dehydration and constipation as a result of breastfeeding. There basically is an observed increase in recommended nutrient intake for lactating women to provide the nutrients necessary both for the mother’s maintained health and for the optimum nourishment of the baby (Farrell & Nicoteri, 2007, 418). For majority of adults, growth is over as focus now shifts on maintaining good health and active lifestyles. This means low saturated fats, sugars and salts to minimize risks of developing age and weight related diseases such as cardiovascular