Dietary standards and goals for the People's Republic of China with special emphasis on nutritional requirements of Chinese infants.

Abstract

A recent dietary survey shows that protein, energy and the majority of the mineral and vitamin intakes of the people in China are sufficient to meet their physiologic requirements. However, the dietary energy derived from cereals appear to be high and the dietary protein derived from animal foods is low. Thus, to improve the nutritional status of the Chinese people, a greater consumption of animal food is encouraged. The goal of an adequate adult diet is to maintain optimal health through a balanced intake of energy and all the essential nutrients. This can be achieved in China by the increase in food production through agriculture, fishery and animal husbandry, and by national planning utilizing the Recommended Dietary Allowances as the standard. Children are the future of our country. Hence, research on child nutrition should receive priority, particularly in the area of protein and energy requirements of pre-school children.