Lifespan Nutrition Assessment 3

Instructions

This assessment is provided to assess students’ knowledge and ability to examine specific cases and the impact specific physiological states have on nutritional status. It provides a means for students to demonstrate their ability to determine nutritional requirements and predict risk factors.

Key to completing this assessment is an understanding of nutritional requirements in weight loss and fitness and through the elderly lifestage and in special needs groups and major non-communicable diseases.

This portfolio prepares students in analysing, evaluating and making nutritional recommendations for application in nutrition-related disciplines.

Students are required to complete a report which includes 2 case studies and 3 concept based activities on weight loss, fitness, aging and special populations. Students are required to complete all concept based activities and choose 2 out of the following 5 case studies and answer the guided questions. The assessment requires students to analyse the case, differentiate nutritional needs and address nutritional risk factors throughout the life stages. An evidence-based approach to dietary and nutritional recommendations is required.

Nutrition in Adulthood

Roxanne is a 50 yr old woman who has a busy lifestyle working full time and looking after the family (husband and three teenage children). Recently she has begun having hot flashes and difficulty sleeping due to night sweats. She currently does little or no exercise.

Her anthropometric measurements are:

Height - 160cm.

Weight - 65kg.

Waist Circumference – 88 cm

Roxanne’s typical daily diet is:

Dinner:

Various meals with a meat portion, veggies (potato, sweet potato, beans, carrots, peas, squash, etc) and grain such as basmati rice or pasta. She may enjoy a another glass of wine with dinner.

After dinner:

Snacks on chocolate-coated almonds and sultanas whilst watching TV

Her food frequency shows the following:

• Red meat 4/7; white meat 1/7; fish 2/7;

• Fruit – 1 x day

• Veggies / Salad – 4 cups per day

• Nuts – ½ to ¾ cup 5/7

• Oil – 1 tbs in cooking (canola oil) and additional on salad (olive oil)

• Butter – 2 tsp per day

• Water: 1,000ml per day

Case 1 Guided Questions:

• Assess Roxanne’s current health status.

• Assess the current diet to identify macro and micro nutrients imbalances.

• Identify the nutrients at risk during this stage of life.

• Provide dietary recommendations to meet Roxanne’s basic nutritional needs and life stage requirements including any lifestyle recommendations.

Weight Management

John is a 40 yr old male and has a BMI of 32. His waist circumference is 112 cm. He has a sedentary job, works long hours and does little or no exercise. John has been diagnosed with metabolic syndrome and is currently taking medication to reduce his cholesterol and control hypertension. His GP is actively monitoring his blood glucose levels. John requires diet advice to reduce his fat mass.

Case 2 Guided Questions:

• Describe the health risks of metabolic syndrome.

• Write a seven day diet plan for John (this can be in the Appendices)

• Recommend a lifestyle plan to assist achievement of his health goals.

Sport, Fitness and Nutrition

Steve is a 27 yr old triathlete and preparing to compete in a sprint triathlon in the next three (3) months. Steve is currently training 10 – 15 hours per week. He requires dietary assistance to support his training schedule and also for pre and post event. He is concerned about his body fat percentage and would like to get this down to 9 percent.

Lifespan Nutrition Assessment 3 Page 3 of 9

Steve is 182 cm tall and weights 77 kg.

He is currently following a diet that provides him with 60% energy from carbohydrates, 20% from protein and 20% from fats.

Case 3 Guided Questions:

• Recommend a diet plan for Steve including pre, during and post event.

• Identify nutrients that could be at risk of deficiency/excess.

• What is your advice on Steve’s ideal body fat percentage.

Nutrition in the elderly

Mildred is a 78 yr old woman. She has been recently diagnosed with osteoporosis and has suffered a fractured neck of femur in a recent fall. Upon discharge from the hospital she returned home to her unit where she lives alone with her cat. She is visited by a physiotherapist once a week for ongoing rehabilitation and is cared for by her family when they visit from interstate. She has a small garden but is largely sedentary and cautious in her movement since her fall.

Mildred likes to cook her own food so rarely eats out. She is on a pension so is a thrifty shopper often taking advantage of supermarket specials.

Case 4 Guided Questions:

• What nutrients are at risk of deficiency for Mildred given her current health circumstances?

• What nutritional recommendations would you suggest to improve her health status?

• What lifestyle recommendations would you suggest to improve her health status?

Nutrition in special needs groups

Sylvia is an 18 year old Indigenous Australian woman who lives in outback QLD. Her BMI is currently

1. Her birth weight was 3,000 grams, she was breastfed for 3 months and moved onto a formula with solids introduced at 4 months of age. Her growth has been stunted throughout childhood. She has experienced frequent respiratory infections and has some dental issues. She is considering moving to the city to find a job.

Case 5 Guided Questions:

• Assess Sylvia’s health status.

• Discuss the factors influencing Sylvia’s growth and nutrition.

• What future health implications might be important to consider when assisting Sylvia with a long term nutritional program?

Students must answer ALL concept based activities:

Module 1

1. Why are pre-menopausal women at risk of developing iron deficiency anaemia?
2. Why is physical activity important for adult females and males
3. Compare the RDI’s for adult males with adult females for the following nutrients: zinc, iron, calcium, folate and energy. Explain the differences or similarities with the RDI’s.

Module 2

1. List the protein requirements for a 95kg male competitive endurance athlete, showing the calculations.
2. Calculate the BMR using the Schofield equation for a 45 year old female weighing 65kg
3. Discuss the hydration requirements for an endurance athlete pre, during and post a marathon event.

Module 3

1. What are the nutritional implications of the major age-related changes in the cardiovascular, renal and pulmonary system?
2. What aspects of the gastrointestinal function are most likely to reduce nutrient intake and/or availability in the elderly?
3. What strategies are most appropriate for minimising the effects of osteoporosis in old age and how do they differ from those used at younger ages?