2.3.13

Dietary Needs

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Dietary Needs

The dietary needs of people changes depending on their age, sex, activity and other factors:

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Age

  • Elderly people generally need fewer calories (less energy) because they have a smaller muscle mass and metabolic rate.
  • Children and teenagers need more calories and protein whilst they are growing.
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Gender

  • Men generally need more daily calories (energy from food) than women because they have a larger muscle mass.
  • Menstruating women (on their periods) need more iron because they are losing blood.
  • Pregnant women need more daily calories, protein, calcium and iron for the growing baby.
  • Breast-feeding women need more fats, calcium and water to produce milk.
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Activity

  • People who exercise more need more calories to give them energy for movement.
  • More protein is needed by people who exercise to help muscle development.

Jump to other topics

1The Nature & Variety of Living Organisms

2Structure & Functions in Living Organisms

3Organism Functions

3.1Respiration

3.2Gas Exchange

3.3Transport

3.4Excretion

3.5Coordination & Response

4Reproduction & Inheritance

5Ecology

6Biological Resources

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