BY PRAHNAV ASLAN THE LEGEND

Definition
Balanced diet is the one which contains a

variety of foods in such quantities and

proportions that the need for energy,
proteins, vitamins, minerals and fats is
adequately met for maintaining health,
vitality and general well being and also
makes a small provision for extra nutrients
to withstand short duration of leanness.

Objective is to safeguard the population

from nutritional deficiencies.

Determining factors
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.

Region
Economic status
Religion
Customs
Culture
Taboos
Taste
Habits of the people

Energy
Energy requirement is defined
as that level of energy intake in
relation to expenditure which is
least likely to result in obesity,
heart disease or prolong active
life.

Factors affecting energy

requirement
1. Age
2. Sex
3. Body composition
4. Physical activity
5. Working conditions
6. Physiological state

Energy- vulnerable
group
Pregnant
woman - daily reqt + 300 cal per day
Lactating mother(0-6 months) - daily reqt + 550 cal per day
Lactating mother(7-12months) - daily reqt + 400 cal per day
Children rapid growth period needs 100-120 cal per day

and later on 80-90 cal per day

Puberty requriement is same as adults
Adults generally 2% decline of resting metabolism for each
decade for adults
After 40 years reduce by 5% each decade till 60 years
After 60 years reduce 10% each decade

Proteins
Infections , worm infestations, emotional disturbances,
stress situations
Protein quality ( Protein energy ratio)
=Energy from protein X 100
Total energy intake
Ratio of protein calorie to the total energy calories
Reference Man- 8.3 %
Reference Woman- 9.1%
Pregnant woman- 10%
Lactating mother-11%
If PE is less than 4 % unable to satisfy the protein
requirement
Recommended- 15-20% of total calorie intake

Protein intake
Intake is expressed in terms of Grams per Kg

body weight
ICMR recommends 1 gram per Kg body weight for
adults
Infants 2 Gms per kg body weight ( first
6months)
1.5 - 1.8 Gms per kg body weight till 10
years
Adolescents- 1.2 to 1.4 gms per kg body weight
During pregnancy- additional 14 gms per day
During lactation 25 gms per day ( 0-6 months )

Protein
No extra recommendations for elderly
Higher intake of protein does not confers great

benefit
Surplus quantity intake in more harmful than

beneficial

Amino acids
Requirement of amino acids decreases sharply

and age advances

EAA requirement expressed in Mgms per kg

body weight
Infants 742 mg
Pre children- 352 mg
School children 260 mg
Adults 84 mg

Fats
During infancy fats constitutes 50% of total

energy intake
Adults fat constitutes 20% of total energy
intake
50% should be EFA from Vegetable oils

Requirement of EFA ranges from 3-6% of energy

intake in young children

Recommended as equal proportion of Visible and
invisible fats in the diet for all age groups.

CARBOHYDRATE
Intake should be 50-70% of

total energy intake

In India, 90% of energy intake is

mainly from Carbohydrates.