Dietary needs (different life stages, health conditions, cultural and lifestyle choices)

Dietary Needs

Infants require a diet high in fats for rapid growth. They need mother’s milk and infant-formula feeds, which are rich in energy, protein, vitamins and minerals.
Children and adolescents are in growth and development phase, requiring increased intake of protein, calcium for bone growth, and iron for blood development. They need a balanced diet.
Adults require a balanced diet to maintain & repair the body. Excess calorie intake can lead to weight gain. Alcohol intake, if any, should be moderate.
Pregnant women need extra intake of nutrients like folic acid for preventing neural tube defects in the baby, iron to avoid anaemia and calcium for skeletal development.
In older adults, there might be less caloric needs but higher need of nutrients, especially calcium and vitamin D to prevent osteoporosis, and B-vitamins to maintain nervous system.

Diabetes management involves controlling blood sugar, which can be achieved with a balanced intake of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, alongside regular physical activity.
For heart disease patients, a diet low in saturated and trans fats, cholesterol, and sodium can help reduce risks. Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, fibre, and antioxidants are beneficial.
Coeliac disease requires a lifelong gluten-free diet. This involves avoidance of foods and drinks containing barley, rye, oats, and wheat.
People with allergies need to avoid allergenic foods like milk, eggs, fish, crustacean shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, and soya.

Vegetarians exclude meat from their diets. They need to ensure enough protein, iron, zinc, and vitamin B12 intake from plant-based sources.
Vegans avoid all animal products. They need to get nutrients usually found in animal products, like Vitamin B12, from fortified foods or supplements.
Those following a Halal diet avoid pork, alcohol, and foods containing certain additives. Halal meat is derived from animals slaughtered in a particular way.
A Kosher diet restricts certain food combinations, and requires ritual slaughter. Dairy and meat cannot be eaten together, and shellfish is forbidden.
Those following a low-carb diet for weight loss need to focus on consuming proteins and fats, and limit the intake of carbohydrates.