('Chapl'r 2


This gives some idea of the complexity of using measurements of nutrient intake to assess the
adequacy of diet, whether at the individual or population level. It is difficult to use intake data
to assess nutritional status.

Nutritional status is the term used to indicate the net outcome of individual food usage
(ingestion, absorption and utilisation), disease status and work demand. It is the outcome of/
previous nutrition, and indicates the presence or absence of deficiency signs, the failure of
growth or some other aspect of functional capacity. It is a rather broad, multi-faceted concept
which is difficult to measure directly. Nonetheless, certain anthropometric measurements are
generally considered reliable indicators of nutritional status, particularly for young children.
The most frequently used measurements are weight, height and arm circumference.
Measurements for an individual child are compared to reference values for the appropriate
age and gender and are used to assess the status of a population of children.

1.3 Factors affecting individual nutritional requirements

In order to survive, work and reproduce, the human being must find in his diet energy and the
necessary nutrients in adequate amounts. A balanced diet is that which provides, in the
correct proportions all the essential nutrients to the body.

Several factors influence nutritional requirements.

1.3.1 Growth

During the first five years of life, nutritional requirements, both of energy and other nutrients,
are relatively higher than for the adult. A child doubles its weight in the first six months of its
life. Table 2.1 shows child energy requirements in Kcal per Kg of body weight per day.

Table 2.1 Energy Needs of Children 0-10 years, kcal/kg bodyweight/day


Age Boys Girls
0+ 109 109
1+ 108 113
2+ 104 102
3+ 99 95
4+ 95 92
5+ 92 88
6+ 88 83
7+ 83 76
8+ 77 69
9+ 72 62


Source: FAO (1990), Human Energy Requirements


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