Energy and Macro Requirements

Question 1

What is EAR?

Answer 1

Estimated Average Requirement

-the calories required by the 50th percentile, the median of the population

Question 2

What is RNI?

Answer 2

Reference Nutrient Intake

• Meets the needs for 97.5% of a group
• Only highest 2.5% will not receive enough calories

Question 3

What is the distribution of energy expenditure of adult population?

Answer 3

Higher amount of people are sedentary than extremely active so will skew the bell curve to the left.

Question 4

What are the factors affecting energy requirements?

Answer 4

Body size & composition (FFM)
Growth and ageing
Food (DIT)
Illness
Hormones & Drugs

Question 5

What is PAL?

Answer 5

Physical Activity Level

PAL = 1.4 (sedentary individuals)
PAL = 2-3 (swimmers and runners)

Question 6

How are energy requirements estimated?

Answer 6

1) Predict or measure basal (resting) energy expenditure
2) Multiply by activity factor (PAL)

Use Henry Equations
men 18-30 RMR = 16xweight(Kg) + 545kcals/day
women 18-30 RMR = 13.1xweight(Kg) + 558kcal/day

Question 7

What are the dietary protein requirements?

Answer 7

-Required for growth and repair

RNI for sedentary subjects: 0.8g/kg/day

Question 8

What is the scientific advisory committee recommendations on dietary CHO’s?

Answer 8

Total CHO intake should be maintained at approx 50% of total dietary energy

• No more than 5% from free sugars
• Diets with a high glycaemic index are associated with a greater risk of type 2 diabetes
• Daily intake fibre should be approx30g a day

Question 9

What are the dietary fat recommendations?

Answer 9

<35% of total daily energy

• Saturated fats <11% of total energy (ideally 7%)
• Dietary cholesterol less than 300mg/day
• Less than 2% trans fats