Different Dietary Requirements

• The principles of research used in the Australian Dietary Guidelines and the Australian Guide to Healthy Eating provide us with accurate and scientifically based advice to plan our daily food intake in order to achieve a nutritious, balanced diet
• Reasons for differences in dietary requirements

  • Age, sex, pregnancy and lactation, activity levels
• Age


  As humans naturally age, the nutrients needed by our body will vary due to the physical changes that take place
• Pregnancy and lactation


  Additional nutrients required: insoluble fibre, water, vitamin D, iodine, folate, calcium, iron
• Folate


  Aids in the formation of the brain and spinal cord of the foetus, important for optimal development
• Insufficient folate during pregnancy can be a risk factor for neural tube defects such as spina bifida and anencephaly
• Consumption of additional calcium during pregnancy can be a protective factor against osteoporosis later in life
• Breastfeeding is a time when a mother will need to consume additional nutrients for the production of breast milk
• The male and female bodies have a different structure and grow and develop differently, so nutrient intakes vary according to energy needs and the growth, maintenance and repair of the body cells at different stages of the lifespan
• Nutrients needed for breastfeeding women

  • Carbohydrates (lactose)
  • Fats
  • Protein for energy
  • Protein for growth
  • Iron for blood development
  • Calcium for growth of bones and teeth
  • Water for hydration
• Differences between male and female bodies

  • Males generally have greater muscle mass
  • Males generally weigh more than females
  • Males generally are taller than females
  • Female bodies experience menstruation and menopause
  • Female bodies can support pregnancy and lactation
• Energy from nutrients is released from food to fuel the body and is measured in kilojoules (kJ)
• Sedentary


  Describes a lifestyle that involves little or no physical activity, usually characterized by minimal energy expenditure, such as sitting
• Activity levels vary across the lifespan depending on how sedentary or active you are
• In general, infants, children and adolescents have specific food needs because they are in a period of rapid growth and development requiring additional energy for play and physical activity
• Older Australians may be less active and not require extra energy above their needs