The study of nutrition is both exciting and rewarding. Nutrition Across The Life Span is directed toward students and health care professionals who require a more in-depth knowledge of nutritional needs for their work with individuals from embryo to old age. Physiologic and biochemic principles and results of current research are used to build a foundation for exploration of nutrition across the stages of reproduction, growth and development, and maturation and aging. These serve as the basis for consideration of the social, economic, physiologic, and life-style factors that influence nutrition status, food choices, and specific life-stage concerns. Particular attention is paid to using the principles of nutrition in planning and implementing recommendation for dietary change. The author, who has extensive experience in nutrition counseling and education, first presents foundational information, including dietary standards, nutrition labeling, nutrition assessment skills, and promoting dietary change. She then discusses specific factors that influence health and dietary behaviors and considerations for specific life spans, such as nutrition needs during pregnancy and breast-feeding and during infancy to adolescence-including nutrition for children with developmental delays and disabilities. Subsequent coverage addresses establishing dietary and activity patterns that promote optimum health and reduction of risk of chronic disease in the adult years and nutrition issues associated with eating disorders and physical fitness and performance across more than one stage ofthe life span.