Economic and financial section > Problem of nutrition

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these can be added as required to satisfy the energy requirements
of any individual. For adults other than the pregnant and nursing
woman, the amount of protective foods might be reduced, if
necessary, for economic reasons. For growing children, however,
the maintenance of a high proportion of protective foods should
be the aim.
In Tables II-VI, schedules are drawn up on the above
basis for age-groups 0-1, 1-2, 2-3, 3-5, 5-7 and 12-14 years.
Since the rate of growth of a child decreases with advancing age,
it will be noted that the amounts of protective foods are not greatly
increased for the older groups.
11. General Recommendations.
A. Although a simplified diet may be so constituted
from a few protective foods as to be satisfactory, it is a general
principle that variety in diet tends to safety, provided it
contains a sufficiency of the protective types of food materials.
B. White flour in the process of milling is deprived of
important nutritive elements. Its use should be decreased and
partial substitution by lightly milled cereals and
especially by potatoes is recommended. The consumption
of an excessive amount of sugar is to be condemned, as it
tends to lessen the proportion of protective foods.
C. Milk should form a conspicuous element of the diet at all
ages. The Commission commends the tendency manifested in
some countries to increase the daily intake up to one litre per day
for pregnant and nursing women, as well as to provide an
abundant supply for infants, children of all ages and adolescents.
The practice of providing milk either free or at a reduced
price to these groups is highly recommended.
The ration of milk indicated in Tables I-VI provides from
100-75 % of the total calories during the first years of life, de¬
creasing to about 50% at 3-5 years and to about 25% at the age