EAT FOR HEALTH Australian Dietary Guidelines

EAT FOR HEALTH – AusTRALiAn diETARy guidELinEs

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Guideline 2

2.7 Practice guide for Guideline 2

Table 2.17: Considerations in advising people from specific groups to consume a wide variety of foods

Population group Considerations

Pregnant and breastfeeding women •  Quality nutritious dietary patterns are essential in meeting the

nutrient requirements of mother and foetus within the mother’s

energy requirements

•   Pregnant women are at higher risk of foodborne illness. Foods

associated with a risk of Listeria bacteria should be avoided

•   While bread in Australia contains iodine and folate, supplementary

folate is recommended preconception and in the first trimester

and iodine should be supplemented preconception and throughout

pregnancy and breastfeeding

•   During pregnancy, care needs to be taken with consumption of

some fish species due to the high mercury content

•   Nuts need only be avoided if the woman herself has an allergy

to them

•   Fluid need is 750–1,000ml a day above basic needs

•   A high-fibre diet and drinking sufficient water is effective in

treating constipation

Infants

(less than 12 months)

•   Exclusive breastfeeding is recommended for around the first

6 months, and should continue for 12 months and beyond for as

long as the mother and child desire

•   Breast milk supplies adequate water up to around 6 months of age,

but cooled boiled water may need to be provided for formula-fed

infants from birth

•   A wide variety of solid foods should be introduced from around

6 months, with first foods being iron rich (e.g. iron-fortified cereal,

meat and alternatives)

•   Texture of solid foods should be appropriate to the infant’s

development

•   Some foods may need to be introduced many times before they

are accepted

•   Hard pieces of food(e.g. some raw vegetables/fruit, whole nuts)

should be avoided. Nut butters or pastes do not increase the risk of

allergies and can be introduced from 6 months

•   Breast milk or infant formula should be the main drinks in the first

12 months, however cow’s milk may be served in small quantities

as custards, with cereals, or as yoghurt between 6 and 12 months

Children and adolescents •  A wide variety of nutritious foods is needed to support normal

growth and development

•   Parents and carers can support quality optimal dietary patterns by

modelling behaviours and purchasing and preparing nutritious foods

•   Reduced fat milk, yoghurt and cheese products are recommended

for children 2 years and older

•   Dietary restrictions are not generally suitable for growing children

and adolescents and suspected food intolerance and allergy should

be confirmed by a medical practitioner

•   Adolescents may be vulnerable to disordered eating