Diet and Health: Dietary and Food Requirements Through Lifestyle

Factors Affecting Dietary and Food Requirements

1. Age

• Infants and Children: Require higher energy, protein, vitamins, and minerals relative to body size for growth and development. Essential nutrients include iron for blood, calcium for bone development, and vitamin D.
• Adolescents: Increased nutritional needs due to growth spurts. Requires balanced intake of carbohydrates, proteins, fats, and micronutrients.
• Adults: Nutritional needs stabilize. Focus on maintaining a balanced diet to prevent chronic diseases.
• Elderly: Decreased caloric needs due to reduced basal metabolic rate (BMR). Requirements for dietary fiber, vitamins D and B12, and calcium are critical.

2. Sex

• Males: Males generally require more calories than females due to larger body size and higher muscle mass.
• Females: Females have specific needs for iron due to menstruation, and increased calcium requirements, especially post-menopause.

3. Health Status

• Individuals with Illnesses: May require modified diets, e.g., low sodium for hypertension, or gluten-free for celiac disease.
• Allergies and Intolerances: Require avoidance of certain foods (e.g., nuts, lactose) and alternative sources of essential nutrients.

4. Pregnancy and Lactation

• Pregnancy: Increased need for energy, protein, iron, folic acid, and calcium to support fetal development.
• Lactation: Higher caloric and fluid requirements to support milk production.

5. Activity Level

• Active Individuals: Increased caloric and protein needs for energy and muscle repair.
• Sedentary Lifestyle: Lower energy requirements; focus on nutrient-rich, low-calorie foods to avoid weight gain.

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