Academic Catalogs

FN A144: Life Cycle Nutrition

Course Outline of Record
Item Value
Curriculum Committee Approval Date 11/04/2020
Top Code 130600 - Nutrition, Foods and Culinary Arts
Units 3 Total Units 
Hours 54 Total Hours (Lecture Hours 54)
Total Outside of Class Hours 0
Course Credit Status Credit: Degree Applicable (D)
Material Fee Yes
Basic Skills Not Basic Skills (N)
Repeatable No
Grading Policy Standard Letter (S)

Course Description

An overview of nutrition for the mother during pregnancy and lactation (breast feeding). Nutritional recommendations for infants, including breast and/or bottle feeding and solid foods through the first year of life. Government assistance programs such as WIC will be explored. ADVISORY: FN A140 or FN A170. Transfer Credit: CSU.

Course Level Student Learning Outcome(s)

  1. Evaluate the positive nutritional factors and potential risks that affect the nutritional health of pregnant women, children and older adults.

Course Objectives

  • 1. Identify the nutrients of particular importance to a healthy prenatal outcome, as well as the sources of those nutrients in foods of various cultures.
  • 2. Identify the rationale of gradual weight gain during pregnancy, the ideal weight gain, and the techniques to use in weighing and charting prenatal weight and BMI of clients.
  • 3. List the common problems of pregnancy and the management of these through nutrition counseling or referral.
  • 4. Discuss the effects of at least three types of substance abuse on the health of the mother and of the fetus. Identify ways to recognize signs of substance abuse, and when to refer to other professionals.
  • 5. Discuss five clinical indicators of nutritional need for postpartum women, and three conditions which require referral to the nutritionist.
  • 6. Name three reasons why breast feeding is best for mothers and infants.
  • 7. Name five factors which discourage breast feeding, and two ways to promote this method of feeding infants.
  • 8. Identify the nutrients of particular importance to the lactating mothers and two factors that influence breast milk production.
  • 9. Discuss pros and cons of formula feeding, issues of sanitation, dilution, intolerances, and substitutions
  • 10. Demonstrate the appropriate techniques and the use of height/weight grids for charting child growth.
  • 11. Identify the social, economic, and psychological factors that influence a childs nutrition choices.
  • 12. Describe and use the tools for making healthy food choices for children.
  • 13. Identify the six classes of nutrients children need for good health, and the best food sources of each.
  • 14. Discuss the effect of poor nutrition (diet) on a childs physical and mental well-being. List at least 3 food choices to help prevent common food-related problems, such as anemia, dental carries, etc.
  • 15. Plan age appropriate menus for children following the recommendations - include breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks.
  • 16. Describe the physiological, psychological, and social changes that often occur among the aging population.
  • 17. Identify the changes in nutritional requirements for aging adults and the factors affecting food intake.
  • 18. Plan a menu appropriate to varying ages and conditions of mature adults, using nutrition tools available.
  • 19. Discuss the modification of diets to help people cope with conditions/disease states.
  • 20. Identify how medications may affect the nutritional status of an aging individual.
  • 21. Identify community resources and government agencies that can benefit nutritional status, such as WIC and SNAP.

Lecture Content

Introduction to course Physiological changes during pregnancy Preparation for a healthy baby What affects the outcome of pregnancy. The first trimester; meeting basic nutritional needs. The nutrients: their role in health Tools to help, such as MyPlate The second and third trimesters Changes in nutritional needs Food safety Weight management - correct use of weight charts Common problems of pregnancy and their management Substance abuse; effects on mother and child - how to recognize Feeding the newborn, breastfeeding/formula feeding, weight loss Screening for high nutrition risk Feeding the newborn infant - breast feeding, nutritional needs, problem management Marketing positive images during prenatal months, Community support The nonbreast-fed baby, formula choices, issues of sanitation, dilution, substitutions, intolerances Infant screening and assessment Height/weight grids - head circumference Cultural variances/guidelines Introducing sold foods/ eating through the first year Resources and services available WIC and other agencies Basic principles and concepts recommended in feeding children Responsibility of caregivers/child Guides to planning menus Dietary reference intakes U.S. Dietary Guidelines and Goals - MyPlate for children Federal/state regulations The toddler, the pre-schooler, the school age child. Preventing childhood obesity Nutrition to meet growth and development needs of children 2 – 18 years old Six nutrient groups - sources - roles in health and disease Energy needs/weight maintenance principles Handling nutrition-rel ated problems Anemia, allergies, diabetes, dental carries, overweight, hyperactivity, food intolerances, smart snacking\ Nutrition education guidelines A look at child nutrition programs that promote healthy eating Marketing good nutrition to kids through curriculum The number and health status of aging adults in the United States. Physiological, psychological, and sociological changes of aging and their impact on nutritional status. Theories of aging Nutritional needs in aging - myths and reality Dietary Reference Intakes (DRIs) and RDAs Review of safe and effective nutrient levels Vitamin and mineral requirements Hydration Meeting nutritional needs through the use of various menu planning tools MyPlate U.S. Dietary Guidelines and Goals Resources Diseases that respond to nutritional intervention including Cardiovascular Diabetes Gastro-intestinal Neuro-muscular conditions Cognitive disorders, including Alzheimers disease Drug/nutrient interactions Self medication Alternative therapies Alcohol Tips for maintaining positive nutritional status during feeding problems occurring from neuro-muscular conditions and those of dementia Nutrition-related services available for the mature adult from the community agencies

Method(s) of Instruction

  • Lecture (02)
  • DE Online Lecture (02X)

Instructional Techniques

Lecture, demonstrations and taste-testing, small-group discussion, videos/films, Internet searches

Reading Assignments

1. Assigned chapters from the textbook.2. Selected handout materials to be provided by the instructor.3. Selected current articles to be provided by the instructor. 4. Students are expected to spend 2-3 hours per week on reading assignments.

Writing Assignments

1. Analyze a dietary pattern of a pregnant or lactating woman in terms of MyPlate. Compare and write evaluation of infant formulas and/or baby food, as advertised on TV, and in articles in parenting magazines.   Written assignment analyzing marketing of food to children. Plan a menu or analyze dietary intake appropriate to specific needs of the child or senior, using current dietary guidelines. Compare and critique nutrition information found in the media or Internet against scientifically-based nutrition references Case Studies: preconception, pregnancy, infant nutrition, preschool nutrition, adult nutrition Students are expected to spend 3 hours per week in writing assignments.

Out-of-class Assignments

Interview a Senior citizen on current dietary practices. Analyze the persons intake based on current dietary guidelines. Utilize current technologies for nutrient analysis of a child or seniors intake. Menu evaluation: gestational diabetes, preschooler, adult, senior Students are expected to spend 2-3 hours per week in out-of-class assignments

Demonstration of Critical Thinking

Quizzes, analysis of growth patterns for children, diet analysis, diet screening and assessment, analysis of internet and media marketed to children and older adults.

Required Writing, Problem Solving, Skills Demonstration

Analyze a two-day dietary pattern of a pregnant or lactating woman in terms of MyPlate. Compare and write evaluation of infant formulas and/or baby food, as advertised on TV, and in articles in parenting magazines.   Written assignment analyzing marketing of food to children. Plan a menu or analyze dietary intake appropriate to specific needs of the child or senior, using current dietary guidelines. Compare and critique nutrition information found in the media or Internet against scientifically-based nutrition references.

Eligible Disciplines

Nutritional science/dietetics: Masters degree in nutrition, dietetics, or dietetics and food administration OR bachelors degree in any of the above AND masters degree in chemistry, public health, or family and consumer studies/home economics OR the equivalent. (Note: A bachelors degree in nutrition, dietetics, or dietetics and food administration, and certification as a registered dietician, is an alternative qualification for this discipline.) Masters degree required. Title 5, section 53410.1

Textbooks Resources

1. Required Brown, Judith E.. Nutrition Through the Life Cycle, 7th ed. Cengage Learning, 2020

Other Resources

1. Current journal articles and professional publications and internet resources. 2. Selected handout materials to be provided and distributed by the instructor.