Draft Australian Dietary Guidelines (PDF, 3MB) - Eat For Health

Pregnant and breastfeeding women do not need to avoid consuming nuts for fear of causing anallergic reaction in their babies. Only women who are allergic to these foods themselves need toavoid them [362, 369-372].2.4.4.2 InfantsFoods from the meats and alternatives group are important in the diets of infants over the age ofaround 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 isrequired to adequately de-bone fish.Previously nuts were often restricted for infants and children because of the risk of inducingallergy. However this has not been proven in nutrition studies. The texture should be suitable (forexample, peanut butter/paste). Only children over three years should be offered whole nuts dueto the risk of choking.2.4.4.3 Children and adolescentsThe demands of growth increase the need for iron, protein and many nutrients found in this foodgroup.2.4.4.4 Women of child-bearing ageMenstrual 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. Leanmeat and some types of seafood are excellent sources of iron [10].2.4.4.5 Older peopleLean meat and poultry, fish, eggs, legumes/beans and nuts and seeds are nourishing foods for olderadults and should be included in the diet as a ready source of protein to help maintain musclemass [10]. People with poor dentition should be advised to choose forms of food that are easierto 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, theinclusion of ground nuts, nut pastes or nut meal in dishes may be more appropriate.DRAFT Australian Dietary Guidelines- December 2011 60