Module 1: General Nutritional Needs
Introduction to nutrition as energy, growth and regulation. Food as source of power for all activities and chemical raw materials for repair. SAQA US 117007 · NQF Level 2 · 12 Credits. Field 09 Health Sciences and Social Services, Preventive Health. Purpose: assess basic nutritional requirements, identify problems and suggest solutions throughout stages of life.
What you will be able to do
- ✓Identify nutritional needs across pregnancy, infancy, childhood, adolescence, adulthood and later life
- ✓Explain how carbohydrates, proteins, vitamins and minerals function in the body
- ✓Describe consequences of poor nutrition on body and development
- ✓Identify alternate foods and supplements for personal preferences
Why We Need Food
Food acts as source of energy powering all activities, and provides chemical raw materials for growth and repair of bodily tissues. Some chemicals regulate vital processes.
Rice, ugali, cassava, bread, whole grains. Best because more nutrients.
Meats, fish, beans, peas, lentils, groundnuts, dairy.
All kinds of fruits and vegetables.
Carbohydrates, Proteins & Fats
| Nutrient | Function | Sources | Caution |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carbohydrates | Energy, fiber for gut | Bread, maize, rice, cassava | Excess = weight gain; sugar moderate |
| Proteins | Structural, repair, growth | Milk, meat, beans, lentils | Critical in growth & recovery |
| Fats/Oils | Concentrated energy | Avocado, nuts, palm oil | Good fats often; avoid excess sweets |
Vitamins, Minerals & Water
Vitamins are organic chemicals body cannot make; need micrograms to 95mg daily. Provide protection to infection e.g. carrots for Vitamin A. Minerals regulate fluids and bone health.
- Water: At least 2 litres daily for PLWHA; boil rolling 10 mins to prevent diarrhoea
- Liquids: Juice, soups, milk ok; coffee/tea not with meals – blocks nutrient uptake
- Protection: Vitamins = immunity, healing, vision
Stop contamination – wash hands before touching food
Boil water 10 mins, cook at 68°C to kill germs
Store covered, separate raw/cooked
Apply what you learned
Case 1: Pregnant mother Nomsa – tired, pale▼
Case 2: Child 2 years – not growing▼
Case 3: Elderly Gogo prefers soft foods only▼
Refer Immediately
- •Severe wasting, oedema, inability to eat
- •Signs of vitamin A deficiency – night blindness
- •Persistent diarrhoea + weight loss >10%
- •Cracked lips, pale tongue – iron/B deficiency
What you can do
- •Provide information and support; do not diagnose disease
- •Refer to clinic for supplementation, HIV testing, growth monitoring
- •Use local resources and dietary guidelines only
Module completion
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