by Sarah Hills FoodBizDaily.com London
November 16 2009 - Calorie guidelines that have helped shape diets for nearly 20 years could change as a scientific panel said that the estimated average requirement for energy should be increased by 16%.
The Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition (SACN), which advises the UK government, has now published its draft report on energy requirements.
It said that the Estimated Average Requirements (EARs) for food energy, published by the Committee on Medical Aspects of Food and Nutrition Policy (COMA) in 1991, were based on “limited available evidence”.
SACN has now considered current UK energy intakes and physical activity levels, as well as existing energy requirement values, new evidence on energy expenditure and the various methods that may be used to calculate energy requirements.
On the basis of this review, SACN said it has calculated new draft EAR values, based on an improved understanding of physical activity levels, for children, adolescents and adults.
It states that for teenage boys from the age of 15, girls from the age of 11, and for all adults, EAR values are increased by up to 16%. Values have been established for three physical activity levels (average, less and more active), for each age group and gender.
However it said that revised reference values should not be interpreted to mean that individuals or groups should increase their energy intake. Energy expenditure needs to increase in relation to energy intake from food to reduce the number of overweight and obese people.
The recommended daily calorie intake for adults is currently 2,000 for woman and 2,500 for men.
SACN is inviting feedback on the outcome of its review before the report is finalised.
The scientific consultation will run until 11 February 2010. Respondents are asked to comment on the scientific content of the report only and not on the risk management aspects of the conclusions.