People in this age group needs some more meals per day as they may not eat a sufficient amount at each meal. They need fewer calories because energy requirement declines with increasing age particularly if physical activity is restricted, however; the amount of protein and other nutrients requirement is similar to that of younger people.

Table 11: Summary of the Number of Meal Required By Age Category and Physiologic State

Person Age Category / Status Number of Meal / Day
children Babies < 6 months Only Breast milk, 8 - 10 times
Babies 6 - 12months Breast milk, 8 - 10 times or more
Small meals, 3 - 5 times
Children 1-5 years Breast milk eight times till two years of age
At least three mixed meals plus two snacks
School age children 3 mixed meals plus two snacks
Adolescent 10 - 19 years 3 mixed meals plus some snacks
Women Pregnant 3 mixed meals plus some snacks
Lactating 3 mixed meals plus some snacks
Elderly 3 or more meals (fewer calories)

Note

The average yield of calories per meal for common Ethiopian food (One "Enjera" with "shiro wot") is 770Kcal.

Last modified: Sunday, 26 February 2017, 5:08 PM