The Importance of a Balanced Diet

A balanced diet consists of all of the food groups in the correct proportions

The necessary key food groups are:

- Carbohydrates
- Proteins
- Lipids
- Dietary Fibre
- Vitamins
- Minerals (mineral ions)
- Water

Malnutrition

Having an unbalanced diet can lead to malnutrition.

Malnutrition can cause a variety of different health problems in humans

Causes & Effects of Malnutrition Table

Sources & Functions of Dietary Elements
Food Groups Functions & Sources Table
Dietary Needs of Individuals

 The nutritional requirements for individuals will vary throughout their lifetime
 An individual will still require the same key food groups, but in
different quantities depending on a number of factors such as age, height, sex, activity
levels, pregnancy and breastfeeding
Variations in Dietary Requirements Table