We have discussed a variety of macro and micronutrients.  All are essential but the amount we need changes throughout our life cycle. For example, the best time to deposit calcium in our bones is during the first couple of decades of life. Then, as we progress through adulthood and become elderly, calcium is slowly lost from our bones.

This week, you learned about nutrient needs during life’s early years.

Initial Forum: If your last name starts with the following letter, then you will discuss the following topic for your initial post.

First Letter of Last Name

Topic

A through F

Topic 1

G through L

Topic 2

M through R

Topic 3

S through Z

Topic 4

Topic 1:  Ashleigh is a vegetarian.  She stopped eating meat and dairy products when she was 15 years old. She does eat fish and eggs, though, along with a variety of other foods. Ashleigh is now 28 years old and wants to start a family.  What nutrients should concern her?  What should she do to make sure her intake is adequate?

Topic 2: Anna has just had a baby.  Now she must decide if she should breastfeed her baby or not.  She does not want the hassle of breastfeeding, but she hears it is good for her child. Discuss the pros and cons of breastfeeding. Should you breastfed or bottle fed?

Topic 3:  Tommy is five years old, and he is a picky eater.  He prefers chicken tenders, soda, and cookies, and occasionally he will eat fruit because it is sweet.  He does not like vegetables.  What nutrients are a concern?  What should his parents do to change his eating habits?

Topic 4: Charlie is a freshman in high school and skips breakfast because he does not like to eat typical breakfast foods.  His parents are concerned because they have heard the news stories stating scientific studies show breakfast improves performance in school.  They want him to do well.  What can Charlie’s parents do to make sure he gets nutritious foods before school starts?  

Your initial forum must be at least 250 words and posted by Wednesday, 11:55 pm EST. You need to state your thesis and support it with evidence and at least one outside, reputable reference. Your textbook is not an outside reference. Remember, there is no right or wrong. Before you post your initial forum discussion, submit it in the assignment area, so its originality is checked by turnitin.com. Your originality index or score should be less than 15%. If it is greater than 15%, rewrite your discussion, submit it again in the assignment area and check the %. Keep doing this until your % is less than 15 and then post your discussion in the forum.  Please note, it can take 24 hours for the second submission to be checked, and the score returned.  If you do not check your post, then I will take points off.

Follow-up Posts: Once you have posted your initial forum discussion, you must reply to at least two other learner’s post.  One of your responses must be the topic that was not your initial forum topic.  Of course, you are welcome to respond to more than two posts. Your follow-up forums must be at least 100 words,