Nutritional needs

Each person requires different quantities of each

nutrient, depending on factors such as age, gender,
size, activity level, health an hunger.
 Age
Children and adolescents are
growing rapidly so they require
large amounts of nutrients, such as
protein for new cells and
carbohydrates for energy.

Elderly people must maintain their

body cells, particularly their bones
so they must maintain their
consumption of the mineral iron.
 Gender
Men are generally more active than women and
larger in size so therefore they require more energy.

Women menstruate every month and therefore can

require more iron.
 Health
People who have diet related health
concerns could require more or less of
certain nutrients.

For example, those that suffer from

osteoporosis must consume a larger
than normal intake of calcium.
Questions
Explain how age affects our nutritional needs.

How much protein does a pregnant woman need to

consume?

Nutritional needs of adolescents differ from those of

children. Discuss the statement with reference to
particular nutrients.
 RDI
Recommended Dietary Intakes
Recommended daily intake
The recommended daily intakes (RDI’s) are the amounts of essential
nutrients considered suitable to meet the nutritional needs of healthy
people.

ADOLESCENCE:

The nutritional intake of adolescents must allow for rapid growth, the
maintenance of good health and the provision of adequate energy every day
activities.

Nutrients of particular importance are proteins, B-group Vitamins, energy,

calcium and iron.
Recommended dietary intake of important nutrients
for adolescents.
NUTRIENT REQUIRED FOR

FEMALES MALES
Nutrient
12-15 years 16-18 years 12- 15 years 16-18 years

Protein 44-46 g 57 g 42-60g 64-70

Energy 10 400 kj 9200 kj 12 200kj 13 500 kj

B Group
vitamins
b1 1.0 mg 0.9 mg 1.2 mg 1.2mg

Iron 10-13 mg 10-13 mg 10-13 mg 10-13 mg

Phosphorous 1200 mg 1100mg 1200mg 1100mg

Vitamin C 30mg 30mg 30 mg 40 mg