Which demographic factors can influence an individual’s nutritional needs? Select all that apply.

While culture is indeed a significant factor influencing an individual's nutritional needs, gender, religion, and age also play essential roles in shaping these needs.

Gender affects nutritional requirements due to differences in body composition, metabolic rates, and hormonal influences, which can lead to varying needs for macronutrients and micronutrients. For example, women may require different amounts of certain vitamins or minerals during menstruation, pregnancy, or lactation, while men may need higher protein intake for muscle maintenance.

Religion can dictate dietary practices and restrictions, thus influencing nutritional choices. Many religions have specific guidelines about which foods are permitted or forbidden, affecting how individuals plan their meals and meet their nutritional needs.

Age is a critical factor as nutritional requirements change throughout the lifecycle. Infants, children, adolescents, adults, and the elderly all have different needs due to development, growth, activity levels, and health status. For example, the elderly often require fewer calories but higher levels of specific nutrients to support health as metabolism slows down and the risk of chronic diseases increases.

Understanding how these demographic factors interplay helps in creating personalized nutrition plans that align with individual health and lifestyle considerations.