Grandes lignes de la nutrition de l'adulte en bonne santé (et qui souhaite le rester) et au cours du cycle de la vie

Recommended Dietary Allowances are not sufficient in order to define what must be an healthy diet for an adult. It is also necessary to understand the principles of the nutrition and the functions of eating. Epidemiological studies have permitted to consider the Mediterranean diet as a good model. Some aspects of the French dietary habits are good today. But there are still a number of concerns which need improvements for a better health. In children and adults, one wishes to prevent obesity, and thus proposes a balanced and varied diet. It is important to abide by sensations of hunger, satisfaction and satiation, to have pleasure while eating and to avoid excessive feeding. During pregnancy, weight gain must be monitored and folic acid supplementation is systematic. One must also be aware of the risk of iron and vitamin D deficiency. In elderly persons, morbidity and mortality is higher as a consequence to undernutrition than obesity. Vitamin D supplementation is recommended for all elderly persons from the age of 65. However, in the normal course of life in children, adults, pregnant women and elderly persons, no systematic dosage of biological nutritional parameter is recommended, except in some specific cases.