Average daily caloric intake
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Average Daily Caloric Intake in Different Populations
General Adult Populations: Global and Regional Insights
Studies show that average daily caloric intake varies by region and population group. For example, a study of 800 Ecuadorian adults found an average daily caloric intake of 2,244 calories, which is below the average for Latin America and the Caribbean but higher than previous national surveys in Ecuador . In urban Vietnam, higher consumption of Western foods eaten away from home was linked to increased average daily caloric intake among adults, adolescents, and children .
Adolescents and Children: Caloric Intake Patterns
Among adolescents aged 7–14 years in an urban Pakistani school, the mean daily caloric intake was 1,517 calories, with carbohydrates being the largest source of energy. This intake was considered suboptimal, as it was below 2,000 calories per day, and fruit and vegetable consumption was low . In the United States, children and adolescents consumed a significant portion of their daily calories from fast food and full-service restaurants, with adolescents averaging 404 calories per day from fast food alone .
Caloric Intake in Critically Ill Patients
Critically ill patients in intensive care units (ICUs) often receive less than the recommended caloric intake. Studies found that average daily caloric intake in ICU patients was about 49–51% of guideline targets 37. Receiving less than 60% of target calories in the first week of ICU stay was associated with higher 28-day mortality, while achieving over 80% of target calories by day 6 reduced mortality risk . Providing at least 25% of recommended calories was linked to a lower risk of infections .
Restaurant and Away-From-Home Food Consumption
Eating food away from home, especially from fast-food and full-service restaurants, remains a significant source of daily calories. In the U.S., adults consumed an average of 315 calories per day from fast food and 277 calories from full-service restaurants, with higher intake when eating away from home compared to at home . In Vietnam, Western food consumption away from home was also associated with higher daily caloric intake and increased fat consumption .
Recommended Daily Caloric Intake Standards
Recommendations for daily caloric intake are often based on maintaining a healthy body mass index (BMI). For adults, predictive equations such as Mifflin’s equation are used to estimate the caloric needs required to maintain a BMI of 25, with adjustments for age, height, and gender . However, actual intake often falls below these recommendations in both healthy and clinical populations 157.
Variations in Caloric Intake: Weekdays, Weekends, and Holidays
Caloric intake patterns also change throughout the week and during holidays. People tend to consume more calories on weekends and holidays compared to weekdays, with certain groups (such as those aged 25–35 or with higher BMI) showing larger increases in intake during these periods .
Conclusion
Average daily caloric intake varies widely depending on age, region, health status, and eating habits. Many populations, including adolescents and critically ill patients, often consume fewer calories than recommended, while eating away from home and during weekends or holidays can increase caloric intake. Understanding these patterns is important for developing effective nutrition policies and interventions.
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