Explanation on GDA portion
The stated values correspond to a healthy women with an average body weight, moderate physical activity and good health.
Why is it so?
When calculating GDA, it is used an average caloric intake necessary for women, because it best meets the needs of most population. Women need an average of 1,800 to 2,200 calories a day, while children 1500 to 2000, and men 2200 to 2700 calories.
Experts have developed GDA table for calories and seven other nutrients. The table shows the difference between the recommended intake of nutrients for healthy men, women and children.
| Typical values | Women | Men | Children 5 - 10 years |
|---|---|---|---|
| Calories | 2,000 kcal | 2,500 kcal | 1,800 kcal |
| Proteins | 45 g | 55 g | 24 g |
| Carbohydrates | 230 g | 300g | 220 g |
| Sugar | 90 g | 120 g | 85 g |
| Fat | 70 g | 95 g | 70 g |
| Saturates | 20 g | 30 g | 20 g |
| Fibre | 24 g | 24 g | 15 g |
| Sodium | 6 g | 6 g | 4 g |
Individual nutritional values may vary depending on gender, weight, activity level and age. In practice, this means that some people need to receive more food, others less. As you can see in the table, there is a separate GDA for men, women and children. Men require a little more nutrients than women, except salt and fibre.