Nutritional Needs and Health

Nutritional Needs

- Nutritional needs vary depending on many factors, including age, sex, size, and lifestyle.

Physical activity levels greatly influence an individual’s energy requirements. Active individuals need more energy than sedentary individuals.
Certain life stages, such as adolescence, pregnancy, lactation and ageing, require increased or specific nourishment to support growth, development, or maintenance of bodily functions.
Both undernutrition and overnutrition can lead to health issues. Undernutrition can hinder growth, reduce immunity, and increase morbidity. Overnutrition can lead to overweight and obesity, which are risk factors for many non-communicable diseases.
Balanced nutrition means consuming a variety of foods in amounts that provide the nutrients necessary to maintain health and energy, while avoiding excessive amounts that can lead to health issues.

Health and Nutrition

Adequate nutrition is crucial in preventing and managing many health conditions. Chronic diseases, like heart disease, stroke, and diabetes are commonly influenced by dietary factors.
Heart disease is frequently linked with high saturated fat and sodium consumption which can lead to high blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
Diabetes can be managed through careful dietary choices. Reduced sugar and increased fibre intake can help regulate blood sugar levels.
Bone health is largely determined by calcium and Vitamin D intake. Ensuring adequate intake of these nutrients can help prevent conditions like osteoporosis.
Some types of cancer have dietary risk factors. For instance, high consumption of processed meats is associated with increased risk of colorectal cancer.
Mental health can be influenced by diet as well. Nutrients like Omega-3 fatty acids, B-vitamins, and tryptophan can influence brain function and mood.
A healthy diet can also support a robust immune system. Vitamins A, C, E, and minerals like zinc and iron, play key roles in immune response.
Nutritional needs and health are often addressed through dietary guidelines provided by health organisations. These guidelines suggest eating patterns and food choices that promote good health and reduce risk of disease. For instance, guidelines might recommend minimum daily servings of fruits, vegetables, grains, and proteins.
Individualised nutrition advice is often necessary to meet unique nutritional needs and manage specific health conditions. For instance, a dietitian or nutritionist might provide personalized dietary advice to a person with food allergies, gastrointestinal disorders, or certain chronic diseases. Specialists in nutrition can offer educated guidance on supplement use, therapeutic diets, meal planning, and food safety.