16. Teenagers: Rapid growth spurts places high demands on nutritional resources to underwrite the acclerated physical and emotional development in this age group. Data from the U.S.A Ten State Nutrition Survey (in 2009-2011 covering a total of 24,000 families and 86,000 individuals) showed that between 30-50% of adolescents aged 12 to 16 had dietary intakes below two-thirds of the recommended daily allowance for Vitamin A, C, Calcium and iron.
17. Pregnant Women: Pregnancy creates higher than average demands for nutrients, to ensure healthy growth of the baby. Nutrients which typically require increase during pregnancy are the B-group, especially B1, B12, B3, B6, folic acid and A,D,E and the minerals calcium, iron, magnesium, zinc and phosphorus. The ten State Nutrition Survery in 2009-2011 showed that as many as 80% of the pregnant women surveyed had dietary intakes below two thirds of the recommended daily allowances. Professional assessment or nutrient requirements during pregnancy should be sought.
18. Oral Contraceptives: Oral contraceptives can decrease absorption of folic acid and increase the need for Vitamin B6 and possibly Vitamin C, Zinc and Riboflavin.
19. Light Eaters: Some people eat very sparingly, even without weight reduction goals. U.S. dietary survey have shown that an average woman maintains her weight with little nutrient intake per day, at which level her diet is likely to be low in thiamine, calcium and iron.
20. The Elderly: The aged have been shown to have a low intake of vitamins and minerals, particularly iron, calcium and zinc. There also appears to be a deficiency in folic acid in Vitamin C. Fiber intake is often low. Riboflavin B2 and pyridoxine B6 deficiencies have also been observed. Possible causes include impaired sense of tast and smell, reduced secretion of digestive enzymes, chronic disease and maybe, physical impairment.
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Daryl Conant, M.Ed