NP20003 Nutrition Through Life Cycles
Tutorial 1: Recommended Nutrient Intake (RNI) during Pregnancy
Format: Group Activity Worksheet
Duration: 45–60 minutes per group
Group: 10 group (6 participants per group for 9 group, and 7 participants for 1 group)
CLO2: Apply nutrition standards and guidelines to guide people in different life cycles to
achieve optimum nutrition (C3, PLO2)
Topic 1: Nutrition Counselling for a First-Time Pregnant Mother (Trimester 1)
Scenario: A 27-year-old woman in her first trimester of pregnancy is confused about what
she should eat to meet her increased nutritional needs.
Instruction: In pairs, discuss and apply the Malaysian RNI to recommend key nutrients she
needs during this trimester. Focus on folate, iron, and energy intake. Prepare a simple one-
day sample menu.
Topic 2: Teenage Pregnancy and Nutrient Requirements
Scenario: A 17-year-old teenage girl is in her second trimester of pregnancy.
Instruction: In small groups, evaluate her additional nutritional needs compared to adult
pregnant women using the RNI. Suggest how to educate her family on supporting her diet
needs using simple educational tools (e.g., plate models or posters).
Topic 3: Gestational Diabetes and Macronutrient Distribution
Scenario: A 32-year-old woman in her third trimester has just been diagnosed with
gestational diabetes.
Instruction: Refer to the Malaysian RNI and dietary guidelines to modify her macronutrient
intake. Propose a balanced meal plan that supports both pregnancy and glucose control.
Topic 4: Nutritional Deficiencies in Pregnant Women from Rural Areas
Scenario: In a rural Sabah community, many pregnant women are showing signs of anaemia
and low birth weight babies.
Instruction: In groups, identify nutrient gaps using the RNI. Suggest affordable and
culturally acceptable food sources to improve iron and protein intake.
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Topic 5: Vegetarian Pregnant Woman in the 2nd Trimester
Scenario: A 30-year-old pregnant woman follows a strict vegetarian diet.
Instruction: Apply the RNI to identify key nutrients that may be lacking (e.g., iron, vitamin
B12, omega-3 fatty acids). Suggest suitable plant-based alternatives or fortified foods.
Topic 6: Twin Pregnancy: Increased Nutritional Demands
Scenario: A mother pregnant with twins asks about how much extra food and nutrients she
needs.
Instruction: Compare her nutrient requirements with the RNI for singleton pregnancies.
Discuss strategies to prevent nutrient deficiencies and ensure healthy foetal growth.
Topic 7: Morning Sickness and Nutrient Intake in Trimester 1
Scenario: A woman in her first trimester struggles with severe nausea and vomiting.
Instruction: Using RNI data, identify nutrients at risk of being under-consumed. Propose
practical tips and food options to ensure adequate intake despite poor appetite.
Topic 8: Food Taboos and Nutrient Deficiency in Local Communities
Scenario: A group of pregnant women in a local community avoid eggs, meat, and certain
fruits due to cultural taboos.
Instruction: Evaluate the risk of nutrient deficiencies based on RNI. Propose culturally
sensitive solutions and alternatives to meet their nutritional needs.
Topic 9: Educating Pregnant Women on Iron and Folic Acid Supplementation
Scenario: Many pregnant women do not understand the importance of taking iron and folic
acid supplements provided at clinics.
Instruction: Develop a brief educational talk (5–10 minutes) using RNI references to explain
why these nutrients are essential during pregnancy.
Topic 10: Comparison of Nutrient Needs Between Non-Pregnant and Pregnant
Women
Scenario: A nutrition student is confused about how nutrient needs change during pregnancy.
Instruction: Create a comparison chart using Malaysian RNI values to show the differences
in energy, protein, calcium, folate, and iron requirements between a non-pregnant and
pregnant woman.