Quick questions on Dietary advice and needs across life stages - SQA Higher Health and Food Technology

Extra folic acid (prevents neural tube defects), iron (rising blood volume and the baby's store), calcium and vitamin D (baby's bones), and more energy and protein in later pregnancy and while breastfeeding. Avoid high-dose vitamin A, alcohol, and high-risk foods (some soft cheeses, pate, undercooked meat and eggs) because of listeria and salmonella.

Breast milk (or infant formula) supplies all nutrients for about the first six months and gives antibodies for immunity. Weaning onto solid food from around six months introduces iron and energy as milk alone is no longer enough. Salt and sugar should not be added.

Need energy and nutrients for rapid growth and activity: protein for tissue, calcium and vitamin D for bones, and iron. Because their stomachs are small, regular meals and nutritious snacks matter. Sugary, fatty snacks should be limited to protect teeth and prevent childhood obesity.

A growth spurt raises needs for energy, protein, calcium (peak bone mass is laid down now) and iron. Teenage girls need extra iron to replace menstrual losses and avoid anaemia. Diets are often poor at this stage, so the contrast between needs and typical intake is a common exam theme.

Needs level off; the focus is balance and weight control to prevent diet-related disease. Active adults need more energy; those with sedentary jobs need less, or weight gain follows.

Usually less active with a lower basal metabolic rate, so they need fewer calories but the same or more nutrients - food must be nutrient-dense. Priorities are calcium and vitamin D (osteoporosis), enough fibre and fluid (constipation is common), enough protein to maintain muscle, and iron (anaemia). Reduced appetite, difficulty chewing and little sunlight (vitamin D) make this harder.

State two messages of current dietary advice (the Scottish Dietary Goals). [2 marks]

Explain why a teenage girl needs more iron than a teenage boy. [2 marks]