Understanding the Experts: Who Makes Recommendations for Nutrition Based on Age and Gender?

October 22, 2025 •

3 min read

According to the National Academy of Medicine, nutritional needs vary significantly throughout an individual's life cycle and between sexes, prompting the need for specific, scientifically-backed guidance. This specialized advice is developed by leading health and scientific organizations that make recommendations for nutrition based on age and gender, ensuring populations receive the right nutrients for each stage of life.

Quick Summary

Authoritative bodies like the National Academy of Medicine and government agencies set nutrient recommendations and dietary guidelines based on extensive research. These standards, which vary by age and gender, help to promote public health and guide individuals in making healthier food choices.

Key Points

National Academy of Medicine (NAM): This body establishes the scientifically based Dietary Reference Intakes (DRIs) for healthy individuals in the U.S. and Canada, which specify nutrient levels based on age and gender.
Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA): The USDA and HHS translate the scientific data from sources like the NAM into practical, food-based dietary guidelines for the U.S. public.
World Health Organization (WHO): At a global level, the WHO offers comprehensive nutrition guidelines and helps countries develop their own, culturally-relevant standards.
Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDNs): For personalized dietary plans that go beyond general guidelines, an RDN considers individual health status, activity level, and specific needs.
Life Stage Variations: Nutritional requirements change dramatically throughout life due to factors like growth in childhood, hormonal shifts during puberty and menopause, and metabolic changes in older age.
Gender Differences: Distinct nutritional needs exist between men and women, such as differences in caloric intake, and specific mineral requirements like iron during certain life stages.
Evidence-Based Approach: All authoritative recommendations are founded on extensive scientific evidence to promote general health and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.

The Foundation of Nutritional Science: The National Academy of Medicine and DRIs

In the United States and Canada, the National Academy of Medicine (NAM) establishes Dietary Reference Intakes (DRIs) for healthy individuals. DRIs are science-based nutrient intake values used for various applications, including nutrition labeling and public health initiatives. These values are differentiated by life stage and gender to reflect varying needs.

DRIs include several components:

Estimated Average Requirement (EAR): Meets the needs of half a group.
Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA): Meets the needs of almost all individuals in a group.
Adequate Intake (AI): Used when insufficient data exists for an RDA.
Tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL): The safe maximum daily intake.

The Application of Science: USDA and HHS Dietary Guidelines

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) translate scientific data into practical advice through the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. Updated every five years, these guidelines offer food-based recommendations for all age groups, including specific considerations for pregnancy and lactation.

The guidelines emphasize healthy eating patterns, focusing on nutrient-dense foods and limiting unhealthy components.

The Global Perspective: The World Health Organization (WHO)

The World Health Organization (WHO) provides global nutrition guidance to address malnutrition and promote healthy diets. Their recommendations cover various aspects of healthy eating and support countries in developing their own localized dietary guidelines.

Comparison of Key Nutritional Guidance Bodies

The roles of these organizations can be compared as follows:


Feature	National Academy of Medicine (NAM) - DRIs	USDA/HHS - Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA)	World Health Organization (WHO)
Primary Purpose	Define specific nutrient intake levels for scientific and professional use.	Translate scientific nutrient data into practical, food-based advice for the public.	Provide global public health recommendations and assist member states with local guidelines.
Basis of Recommendations	Nutrient-specific values (EAR, RDA, AI, UL) based on in-depth scientific literature reviews.	Healthy eating patterns focusing on food groups and reducing unhealthy components.	Broad recommendations on diet quality to prevent malnutrition and chronic disease.
Geographic Scope	Primarily the United States and Canada.	United States.	Global.
Update Frequency	Regularly updated by nutrient, though not all at once.	Updated every five years.	On an ongoing basis as new evidence becomes available.

The Importance of Individualized Recommendations: The Role of a Registered Dietitian

While general guidelines are useful, personalized advice from a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) is crucial for addressing individual needs, health conditions, and lifestyle. An RDN can create a tailored plan considering factors like age, gender, activity level, and dietary preferences.

How Nutritional Needs Change Throughout Life

Nutritional requirements vary with age and gender due to physiological changes. Growth spurts in childhood and adolescence, hormonal changes during puberty and menopause, and metabolic shifts in older age all influence nutrient needs. Gender differences in body composition and hormonal profiles also contribute to varying needs, such as iron requirements for women.

Conclusion

Authoritative bodies like the National Academy of Medicine, USDA, HHS, and WHO are key in developing age and gender-specific nutritional recommendations based on scientific evidence. These guidelines are vital for promoting public health and informing healthy eating choices. For individualized guidance, consulting a Registered Dietitian is highly recommended. Recognizing the dynamic nature of nutritional needs throughout life and between sexes is essential for achieving optimal health.

Visit the Office of Dietary Supplements for more information on Dietary Reference Intakes.

Frequently Asked Questions

DRIs are a set of four nutrient-based reference values for healthy people: Estimated Average Requirement (EAR), Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA), Adequate Intake (AI), and Tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL). They are developed by the National Academy of Medicine.

The Dietary Guidelines for Americans, published by the USDA and HHS, are updated and released every five years to reflect the latest scientific findings.

Nutritional needs differ by age because of changes in metabolism, growth rate, and body composition. For example, children need high levels of nutrients for growth, while older adults may need fewer calories but more of certain micronutrients.

The World Health Organization (WHO) provides comprehensive global nutrition guidelines and assists member countries in developing their own national standards based on international evidence.

Yes, men and women have different nutritional needs due to hormonal differences, body composition, and life stages. For example, women of childbearing age often have higher iron requirements.

General guidelines are an excellent starting point, but they are not one-size-fits-all. Consulting a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) is recommended for personalized advice tailored to your specific health, lifestyle, and needs.

Nutrient-based recommendations, like the DRIs, focus on specific intake levels of individual vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients. Food-based recommendations, like the Dietary Guidelines, focus on broader eating patterns using food groups to achieve overall nutritional health.