Human Nutrition 3(3+0)

Lesson 3 : Recommended Dietary Allowances for Nutrients

Calories

The body needs energy for maintaining body temperature, metabolic activity, supporting growth and physical work. The energy allowances recommended are designed to provide enough energy to promote satisfactory growth in infants and children and to maintain constant body weight and good health in adults. In estimating the calorie requirements, the following factors will have to be taken into account.

• Physical activity
• Body size and composition
• Age and sex
• Physiological state and
• Climate and environment

Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDA):
Recommended nutrient intakes that meet the needs of essentially all people of similar age and gender.

In view of the lower/small body size and warm climate prevalent in the tropical countries, the calorie requirements for the corresponding age groups are lower for persons living in India and other tropical regions as compared with those living in temperate climate. The daily calorie requirements (Kcal) recommended by the Nutrition Expert Group I.C.M.R. is given Table.

Table 1: RDA for Energy

Life stages	Energy(k. cal/d)
Adult man Sedentary work Moderate work Heavy work Adult woman Sedentary work Moderate work Heavy work	2320 2730 3490 1900 2230 2850
Pregnant woman Lactating woman 0-6 months 6-12 months	+350 +600 +520
Infants: 0 -6 months 6- 12 months	92 kcal/kg/d 80 kcal/kg/d
Children: 1-3 years 4- 6 years 7-9 years	1060 1350 1690
Adolescents: 10-12 years Boys Girls 13-15 years Boys Girls 16-17 years Boys Girls	2190 2010 2750 2330 3020 2440

Ref: Nutrition Expert group, ICMR(2010)