WJEC Level 3 Certificate in Food Science and Nutrition

Section 7: Assessment 292 Assessor commentary: A limited amount of information ( some information ), namely that provided by the Eatwell Guide, has been analysed as an information source in relation to the nutritional needs of teenagers. Generic advice is discussed, without going into specific detail as to how teenagers needs for certain nutrients during this particular life stage may vary when compared to that of the general population. As a result, a limited range of nutritional needs are discussed as the focus is on the food groups in the Eatwell Guide, rather than specific examples of the foods which would provide the nutrients that are of particular relevance to the nutritional requirements of teenagers. Example response 2 (PBMB3) During this life stage teenagers will experience a period of rapid growth and development, so following the recommendations of the Eatwell Guide is a good starting point to ensure a balanced diet. A teenager’s requirement for certain nutrients, e.g. protein, will increase as they go through puberty and adolescence. They will need to eat protein from a variety of sources to ensure that all the essential and conditionally essential amino acids are provided. The complementary action of eating LBV protein sources together would ensure that any essential amino acids missing from one food will be provided by another. Animal foods (meat, dairy foods, eggs and fish) and plant foods such as quinoa and soya beans, are good sources of HBV protein, whilst pulses, grains and seeds are good sources of LBV protein. (A PBMB3 response would then continue to list all the nutrients for which a teenager will have an increased requirement and the food sources of each.) A contributing factor to an increased requirement for protein is related to the growth spurt, which is experienced during puberty; in girls the growth spurt normally peaks around 12.5 years and in boys around 14 years. As protein is an important macronutrient required for body growth and development, which continues until adulthood is reached, it is important that teenagers consume enough to meet their needs, particularly in the case of the conditionally essential amino acids, as during this rapid period of growth, their bodies are unable to make enough conditionally essential amino acids to meet their requirements. (A PBMB3 response would then go on to demonstrate knowledge as to why teenagers have an increased requirement for the other nutrients listed and discuss each of these in detail.) Research into teenage diets suggests intakes of saturated fatty acids, salt and added sugars are too high. Whilst teenagers may have an increased requirement for energy, if they experience a positive energy balance as a result of eating too many high fat, salt and sugary foods, this could result in weight gain, leading to obesity. The continuing rise in the incidence of teenage obesity is a major health concern. It is important that the nutritional needs of teenagers are met, not only in the short term to protect their health and enable them to grow and develop normally, but also in the long term as a preventative measure against diseases and chronic health conditions associated with obesity such as coronary heart disease, Type 2 diabetes and cancer. (A PBMB3 response would then go on to discuss further points related to diet and health, eating habits, etc.) Assessor commentary: In this example partial response, the command word ‘ analyse ’ has clearly been addressed and application of knowledge and understanding of the specific nutritional needs of teenagers is demonstrated. Explanations as to why a teenager’s requirement for certain nutrients increases are also included. Also, it is evident that a range of information sources have been analysed (for example, The Eatwell Guide, along with secondary source material from textbooks, news reports, etc., which the learner would have used when compiling their class notes). NB: It would be expected that this would apply throughout a complete response in order to achieve a full PBMB3 mark. Study Tip: Make sure that you include the full reference (Title, Author, Date, Publisher, URL) for any secondary sources of materials that you use in the making of your class notes, which you then subsequently use when completing your written report. This is especially important if you are using a table, quoting a sentence or using the reference for any other information that you include. Chapter 19: Unit 1 Internal assessment