Nutrition through the life-span. Part 2: children, adolescents and adults.

A healthy child who achieves both their peak of physical fitness and their optimal nutritional status is more likely to progress through the life-span as a healthy adult. However, children, adults and older adults in the UK are failing to achieve both adequate nutritional and fitness status. Individuals are now living longer due to improved social conditions and advances in medical care. Despite this, many children, adults and those aged 65 years and over are suffering from malnutrition or obesity. The second part of this article seeks to educate healthcare professionals regarding the nutritional requirements for school-age children, adolescents and adults between the ages of 19 and 64 years. The nutritional requirements of older adults aged 65 years and over, including a review on nutritional support within this age group, will be addressed in a further article. Healthcare professionals have a responsibility to assist the population in achieving their optimal nutritional status. This may be achieved through health promotion, which, if appropriate, may instigate and sustain behavioural change in relation to both nutritional habits and physical exercise.