Food and Nutrition Throughout Life

Book excerpt: Nutritional requirements vary greatly according to age and lifestyle. This evidence-based, comprehensive text is a complete guide to eating habits across age and population groups. It provides the recommendations for intakes of nutrients and foods, and diet to achieve optimum health. Chapters systematically examine the nutritional issues for individuals from preconception, pregnancy and breastfeeding through to adulthood and old age. The text features an overview of dietary patterns by age group based on national scientific survey data together with the latest recommendations for optimum nutrition to maintain well-being and address specific health concerns. The final section examines nutrition issues for specific populations including indigenous groups, athletes and the disadvantaged. Throughout the text, key points are illustrated by case studies and the reader's knowledge is tested via quizzes and study questions. With chapters from leading nutrition researchers and educators in Australia, New Zealand and Asia, this is an excellent introduction to nutrition through the lifespan. 'A comprehensive overview and detailed discussion of food and nutrition topics for all ages and stages of life.' - Robynne Snell, Curtin University