DIA, GWYNETH FRANCE B.

COURSE TASK - LECTURE

BSN 2 – YC – 17 MODULE WEEK 2 – LIBRARY WORKS

Instruction: Download a research article on the topic about Dietary Reference Intakes,
Submit a 200-300 word essay reflection.

Dietary Intakes of Women’s Health Initiative Long Life Study Participants Falls
Short of the Dietary Reference Intakes
Jeannette M. Beasley, PhD, MPH, RD; Eileen Rillamas-Sun, PhD, MPH; Lesley F.
Tinker, PhD, RD; Judith Wylie-Rosett, EdD, RDN;
Yasmin Mossavar-Rahmani, PhD, RD; Mridul Datta, PhD, RD, LD, FAND; Bette J.
Caan, DrPH; Andrea Z. LaCroix, PhD

As I delve into the topic of dietary intake and its impact on women's health, I am
confronted with a rather disheartening fact: the dietary intakes of women participating in
the Women's Health Initiative Long Life Study falls short of the Dietary Reference
Intakes. This revelation has left me pondering over the reasons behind this discrepancy
and the potential consequences it may have on the health and well-being of these
women. As a student, I feel compelled to address this issue and shed light on the
importance of a balanced diet for overall health.

Dietary Reference Intakes (DRIs) are a set of guidelines established by experts

to provide recommendations for nutrient intakes based on age, sex, and physiological
conditions. They serve as a benchmark for individuals to ensure that they are meeting
their nutritional needs. However, it is disconcerting to note that the participants of the
Women's Health Initiative Long Life Study are falling short of these recommendations.

One possible explanation for this shortfall could be the prevalence of processed
and convenience foods in our modern society. With the rise of fast food chains and the
increasing demand for ready-to-eat meals, it has become easier for individuals to opt for
quick and convenient options rather than invest time and effort into preparing nutritious
meals. This could be further exacerbated by busy lifestyles and the lack of awareness
regarding the importance of proper nutrition.

Moreover, societal pressures and unrealistic beauty standards may also play a
role in women's dietary habits. The pursuit of the "perfect" figure often leads to
something depressing and the ability to suppress themselves from food because they
want to be skinny or don't want to gain weight. So I think that people, especially women
should embrace themselves and try not to compare themselves to other people who we
called perfect on social media. You don't have to be pretty like her. You can be pretty
like you.

Also, it is important for women to take care of their nutrition and take every
nutrients and vitamin they need because it can help themselves and their future
children. Because Women who are well-nourished are better equipped to care for
themselves, their children, and their families. Well-nourished moms are more likely to
produce babies with healthy birth weights, and these babies are less likely to suffer from
malnutrition later in life.

Reference:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32680817/