[Nutrient density as a quality criterion for dietetic regimens]

Nutrient density is a very informative criterion for the evaluation of a diet from the viewpoint of nutritional physiology. One means by nutrient density the physiologically necessary nutrient proportion in an energetic unit (e. g., 4200 kJ = 1000 kcal). The lower the energy requirement, the higher is in general the nutrient density for different nutrients. Dietetic regimens make special demands on nutrient density. As compared to the normal diet for adults, the nutrient density of a dietetic regimen is in part considerably higher, e. g., for protein, calcium, iron, vitamin B1 and vitamin C. The specific demands on energy and nutrient requirements must be met by a food selection and diet composition keyed to nutrient density.