Different Dietary Needs and Preferences

Individuals at different stages of life have different nutritional requirements due to varying metabolic and physiological needs.
Diet for pre-pregnant and pregnant women should focus on increasing folic acid, iron, and calcium intake.
Menopausal women might require increased intake of calcium and vitamin D to prevent osteoporosis.
Older adults often require lower calorie intake but higher protein, calcium, vitamin D and vitamin B12 to maintain bone health, muscle mass and cognitive function.

People with diabetes must control their carbohydrate intake and opt for complex carbohydrates over simple ones.
People with Coeliac Disease must adhere to a gluten-free diet due to adverse reactions to gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye.
Individuals with high blood pressure and heart diseases should aim to lower their sodium and saturated fat intake.

Vegetarians eliminate meat and fish from their diet and rely more on plant sources for proteins.
Vegans stretch it further and eliminate all animal-derived ingredients, which includes dairy and eggs: they require careful planning to meet nutrient needs especially vitamin B12, calcium, iron, and zinc.
People on low-carb diets like the Ketogenic diet derive a higher proportion of their calories from protein and fats.

Many Hindus and Buddhists prefer a vegetarian diet due to the belief in non-harm to all living beings.
Islamic dietary laws (Halal) and Jewish dietary laws (Kosher) regulate not just the type of foods but also how they are prepared and processed.
Some Christian sects practice fasting and restriction of certain foods during certain periods such as Lent.

Vegetarianism and veganism are also embraced by individuals who concern about animal rights and environmental sustainability.
Some people prefer organic foods, which are grown without synthetic pesticides and fertilisers.
Fair trade foods are also popular among individuals who wish to support farmers in developing countries.