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 ), 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 , , and ). For vitamins and minerals about which less is known, safe and adequate daily dietary intakes are estimated.
Pregnant women Diet and supplements and infants Nutrition in Infants If the delivery was uncomplicated and the neonate is alert and healthy, the neonate can be brought to the mother for feeding immediately. Successful breastfeeding is enhanced by putting the... read more 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 Reference 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... read more ):
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, excess vitamin A Vitamin A Toxicity Vitamin A toxicity can be acute (usually due to accidental ingestion by children) or chronic. Both types usually cause headache and increased intracranial pressure. Acute toxicity causes nausea... read more can lead to hypervitaminosis A, with headaches, osteoporosis, and rash.
Reference
1. US Department of Health and Human Services and US Department of Agriculture: Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2020-2025
Drugs Mentioned In This Article
Drug Name | Select Trade |
---|---|
vitamin a |
A Mulsin, A-Caro-25, Aquasol A, Dofsol-A |