food requirements

food re·quire·ments

(fūd rē-kwīr'mĕnts) The generalized need for nutrients across a broad spectrum of people or animals, subject to amendment in individuals.

food requirements

The need for various amounts and types of food according to a person's use of energy. It is calculated that an average healthy man (154 lb or 70 kg) performing light to moderate muscular work requires 2700 kcal/day, while an average healthy woman (128 lb or 58 kg) requires 2000 kcal/day. These needs are met through the intake of carbohydrate, protein, and fat. An estimation of the protein requirement for the average adult is 1 g of protein per day for each kilogram of their ideal weight. Generally, a woman requires fewer calories per day than a comparably active man because of her smaller build. Sedentary individuals generally require fewer calories. On a body weight basis, children and pregnant women require more calories than predicted to support growth and development. Febrile patients have an increased basal energy expenditure of about 12% for each degree centigrade of fever. It is generally agreed that a diet that is rich in fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole grains and has adequate minerals (including calcium) and vitamins is superior to diets that are rich in fats and sugars. calorie; diet; energy expenditure, basal; nutrition;