Nutrition for Children and Adolescents (Level 4

Obesity is fast turning into an "epidemic" disease, not only in adults, but in our children too. It is estimated that up to 15 % of all children in the UK are overweight or obese (Bupa). Whilst up to 34% of all children in the USA are overweight or obese (NPD Group).

"Over the last fifty years, there has been a change in the predominant concerns about the diets and health of school aged children. Historically, the focus has been on the provision of sufficient nutrients and energy in relation to current and future needs, but providing dietary balance and encouraging less sedentary lifestyles are now viewed as the main priorities". British Nutrition Foundation

With the exception of very young children (4 - 6 years old), between 40-69% of children in Britain are largely inactive, spending less than one hour a day participating in activities of moderate intensity. These findings are also consistent with a number of other recent reports concerning the increasing prevalence of overweight and obesity in children. This is a situation that is mirrored in adults and is likely to stem from the same fundamental causes.

Like many adults, British children are typically eating less than half the recommended five portions of fruit and vegetables a day. One in five (4 -18 year olds) eat no fruit at all during an average week. Poor eating and poor physical activity habits in childhood may increase the risk of health problems in later in life. The diet of a child is a factor, to varying degrees, in the development of a number of diseases, either in childhood itself or during adult life, such as obesity, iron deficiency anaemia, dental caries, coronary heart disease, hypertension, osteoporosis and cancer.

There is some evidence to suggest that health traits present in childhood tend to track into adult life, including body weight, blood levels of cholesterol, other blood lipids and insulin, and blood pressure.

Improving the health and nutrition of children should remain a priority for the government, health professionals, the food industry and teachers alike. But more importantly, parents should also have an active role in providing the best nutritional quality to their children. The course aims to show parents and practitioners how to improve the health and nutrition of children.

Syllabus

Module 1 – Definition

• Explain your understanding of the word “nutrition”
• Summarise the Process of Digestion

Module 2 – Macronutrients

• Examine the macro-nutrient groups discussed in this unit

Module 3 – Enzymes

• Explain what enzymes are
• Discuss the importance of Enzyme Supplementation
•  List each of the essential micronutrients, its best natural source and deficiency symptoms

Module 5 – The Western Diet

• Discuss the connection between health problems and the Western Diet

Module 6 – Gastrointestinal Disorders

• Explain your understanding of the term “Bacterial Dysbiosis”
• Summarise Intestinal Hyperpermeability

Module 7 – Immune System and Diet

• Discuss the effects of undigested food particles that are able to cross the intestinal epithelium but that can not be used by cells in its un-hydrolyzed state

Module 8 – Obesity

• Discuss the term “obesity is becoming an epidemic disease”

Module 9 – ADD/ADHD

• Review the dietary problems associated with ADHD and how can those be addressed by an appropriate dietary supplementation

Module 10 – Autism

• Explain how autism is caused

Module 11 – Functional Foods

• Define “functional foods”

Assessments

Assessments are a great way of checking your progress allowing you to apply your learning to real-world situations. Through the Nutrition for Children and Adolescents (Level 4) Course by NCFE, students will be assessed by a series of written assignments, which are submitted to and marked by your tutor.

All assignments are set by NCFE. Upon verification of the activities, exercises and assignments, a certificate of achievement will be awarded by the national awarding organisation NCFE, as confirmation that your written work has met all of the learning outcomes and assessment criteria for the programme. There is no external examination required.

What's Included

You will have access to a tutor, via email, who will mark your work and guide you through the course to help you be ready for your examinations. In addition you will be supplied with a comprehensive Study Guide which will help you through the study and assessment process.

The course pack includes, guidance on relevant study skills and full tutor support comprising:

• the marking of a series of assignments
• written answers to specific study problems
• 12 month tutor support via emails
• a copy of our study guide, will give you guidance on studying and submitting assignments

Qualification

Qualification: Level 4 Award in Nutrition for Children and Adolescents

On successful completion of Level 4 Award in Nutrition for Children and Adolescents, you'll be awarded the Qualification in subject by NCFE - A Qualification which will show your knowledge and commitment when it comes to becoming a Nutritionist.

Prospective employers will realise your interests when they see how thoroughly you have studied and prepared for your new role.

This qualification is independently accredited at a level of learning equivalent to level 4 on The Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF) for England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

The training courses have been designed specifically to meet the needs of learners who prefer to study from home. The course measurable learning outcomes have been benchmarked at Level 4 (using Ofqual's QCF level descriptors) to allow you to consider the depth of study, difficulty, and level of achievement involved. This course has been accredited under NCFE IIQ Licence by SAC which has been approved as an NCFE Investing in Quality (IIQ) centre to give formal recognition to courses.

NCFE is recognised as an Awarding Organisation by the qualification regulators for England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. These are Ofqual (the Office of the Qualifications and Examinations Regulator in England); the Welsh Government and CCEA (the Council for Curriculum, Examinations and Assessment) in Northern Ireland.

Duration

Study Time

Study Hours are an approximate figure and are dependant upon how much time you can dedicate to your studies and how well you grasp the learning concepts in the course material. Furthermore, at the end of each lesson there is a question paper that needs to be completed and returned to your tutor. You should allow enough time to complete assignments/ question papers.

The approximate amount of time required to complete the Nutrition for Children and Adolescents (Level 4) Course is: 110 hrs