toitevajadus
Toitevajadus is a term used in Estonian nutrition literature to describe the nutritional requirements of an individual—the minimal amounts of energy and nutrients necessary to maintain health, support growth and activity, and prevent deficiencies. It encompasses both energy needs and micronutrient needs and is expressed through dietary reference values used to plan diets and inform nutrition policy.
The concept varies with age, sex, body size, activity level, climate, health status, and life stage. Children,
Estimating toitevajadus relies on models of energy expenditure and nutrient requirements. Authorities publish dietary reference values
Applications of the concept include planning balanced individual diets, evaluating population nutrition, informing public health strategies,