Dietary Needs
Biology: Edexcel IGCSE, topic 2.3.13
Dietary Needs
The dietary needs of people changes depending on their age, sex, activity and other factors:
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.
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.
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.
Test yourself on Dietary Needs
Energy Requirements
At what times do women have special dietary needs?