Introduction

The gastrointestinal system is vital to the overall health of the body. The ability of this system to function optimally depends not only on the absence of illness but on the proper development of this system throughout the lifespan. This chapter will examine the nutritional requirements needed at each stage of life to assist this system in developing to its optimal capacity. It will also review illnesses that impact this system.

Consider this case: The client—unborn at the start of this chapter's case study—is Bao Nhung. The client’s mother, Hien Nhung, is a 23-year-old first-generation Vietnamese American who works as a medical–surgical nurse on the night shift at the local hospital. The client’s mother works long nights, and the pregnancy was unplanned. Hien has not received any prenatal care during the pregnancy.