DRAFT Australian Dietary Guidelines - Eat For Health

Pregnant and breastfeeding women do not need to avoid consuming nuts for fear of causing an
allergic reaction in their babies. Only women who are allergic to these foods themselves need to
avoid them [362, 369-372].
2.4.4.2 Infants
Foods from the meats and alternatives group are important in the diets of infants over the age of
around six months. In particular, this group of foods helps meet infants’ increased needs for iron,
zinc and protein. The food should be initially pureed before serving. For all infants, special care is
required to adequately de-bone fish.
Previously nuts were often restricted for infants and children because of the risk of inducing
allergy. However this has not been proven in nutrition studies. The texture should be suitable (for
example, peanut butter/paste). Only children over three years should be offered whole nuts due
to the risk of choking.
2.4.4.3 Children and adolescents
The demands of growth increase the need for iron, protein and many nutrients found in this food
group.
2.4.4.4 Women of child-bearing age
Menstrual loss doubles the iron requirements of young women compared to young men [37],
although that increased requirement is lessened for women taking the oral contraceptive pill. Lean
meat and some types of seafood are excellent sources of iron [10].
2.4.4.5 Older people
Lean meat and poultry, fish, eggs, legumes/beans and nuts and seeds are nourishing foods for older
adults and should be included in the diet as a ready source of protein to help maintain muscle
mass [10]. People with poor dentition should be advised to choose forms of food that are easier
to eat, such as softer foods, soups and casseroles.
Whole nuts may not be well tolerated where there is a problem with dentition. In these cases, the
inclusion of ground nuts, nut pastes or nut meal in dishes may be more appropriate.
DRAFT Australian Dietary Guidelines- December 2011 60