Nutritional Requirements

Good nutrition aims to achieve and maintain a desirable body composition and high potential for physical and mental work. Balancing energy intake with energy expenditure is necessary for a desirable body weight. Energy expenditure depends on age, sex, weight (see table Recommended Dietary Reference Intakes), and metabolic and physical activity. If energy intake exceeds expenditure, weight is gained. If energy intake is less than expenditure, weight is lost.

Daily dietary requirements for essential nutrients also depend on age, sex, weight, and metabolic and physical activity. Every 5 years, the Food and Nutrition Board of the National Academy of Sciences/National Research Council and the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) issues the dietary reference intakes (DRIs) for protein, energy, and some vitamins and minerals (see also tables Recommended Dietary Reference Intakes, Recommended Daily Intakes for Vitamins, and Guidelines for Daily Intake). For vitamins and minerals about which less is known, safe and adequate daily dietary intakes are estimated.

Pregnant women and infants have special nutritional needs.

The USDA publishes MyPlate, which helps people develop a healthy eating style and make healthy food choices that suit their individual needs. The recommendations are individualized based on age, sex, and physical activity.

Generally, the recommended intake decreases with aging because physical activity tends to decrease, resulting in less energy expended.

The following general guidelines are emphasized for adults and children (1):

• Follow a healthy dietary pattern at every life stage

• Customize and enjoy nutrient-dense food and beverage choices to reflect personal preferences, cultural tradition, and budgetary considerations

• Focus on meeting food-group needs with nutrient-dense foods and beverages, and stay within calorie limits

• Limit foods and beverages higher in added sugars, saturated fat, and sodium, and limit alcoholic beverages

Adequate fluid intake is also important.

The acceptable macronutrient distribution range for fat is 20 to 35% of total caloric intake, and saturated fatty acids should constitute < 7%. Excess intake of saturated fats contributes to atherosclerosis. Substituting polyunsaturated fatty acids for saturated fats can decrease the risk of atherosclerosis.

Routine use of nutritional supplements is not necessary or beneficial; some supplements can be harmful. For example, can lead to hypervitaminosis A, with headaches, osteoporosis, and rash.