Describe how the components of a balanced diet contribute to an individuals health at different life stages.

First you have to think about what makes up a balanced
diet: fruits/vegetables, protein, whole grains/carbohydrates, and
fat.

At every age the body
needs vitamins and minerals, which will most likely come from fruits and vegetables.  In
fact, experts now believe (and vegans and vegetarians agree) that fruits and vegetables
supplemented with legumes and nuts can almost singly provide every nutrient the body
needs.

Fat, protein and iron are especially important in
really early years (under the age of 3) for brain development, which is why doctors will
tell women to switch to formula (if child is under one) and then whole milk after
breastfeeding.

Calcium and vitamin D (which aids the
absorbtion of calcium) is most important during growth and bone development (up to about
age 21 in males and about 18 in females), but then again it becomes important after the
40s with the risk of osteoporosis.  Much more prominent in women, osteoporosis also
affects men.

Whole grains/carbohydrates are necessary to
every age - but should be balanced by activity in addition to other nutrients on the
food pyramid.  Many experts are beginning to say that the original food pyramid could
have fat cut off the very top and be turned upside down - because it is actually
healthier to consume more fruits and vegetables than bread and grains.  Bread and grains
contribute to complications such as diabetes - because we are so used to eating white
flower, white sugar, and adding gluten to nearly all of our processed foods.  The fact
is, again, many vegetables contain the right amount of carbohydrates our bodies need for
energy - and taking in more sugar than our body burns results in the storing of excess
fat.

Finally, check out the article below.  It has more
information on specific nutrient advice for the 20s, 30s, 40s, 50s and
60s.