About nutritional theories


Health and nutrition are closely interrelated, which is why since ancient times people have been actively looking for options for the ideal diet, and the very nature of nutrition has constantly changed throughout the history of mankind. Currently, there are classical and alternative theories of nutrition.

Classical theories of nutrition: the ancient theory of nutrition, the theory of balanced nutrition, the theory of adequate nutrition.

Alternative theories of nutrition: vegetarianism, therapeutic starvation, the theory of nutrition of ancestors, the concept of separate nutrition, the concept of the main nutritional factor, the concept of nutritional value indices, the concept of “live” energy, the concept of “imaginary” drugs, the concept of absolutization of optimality.

The theory of balanced nutrition has replaced the ancient theory (Aristotle, Galen), the essence of which was the following statement: “Nutrition comes from blood, which is formed from nutrients.” The theory of balanced nutrition originated over 200 years ago and has dominated nutrition for many years.

Fundamental postulates of the classical theory of balanced nutrition:

1. Nutrition maintains the molecular composition of the body, compensates for its energy and plastic costs;

2. Nutrition is considered ideal, in which the intake of nutrients as accurately as possible (in time and composition) corresponds to their consumption;

3. The intake of nutrients into the blood is ensured as a result of the destruction of food structures and the absorption of nutrients necessary for metabolism, energy and plastic needs of the body;

4. Food consists of several components, different in physiological significance – nutrients, ballast substances (from which it can be purified) and harmful (toxic) substances;

5. The value of a food product is determined by the content and ratio of amino acids, monosaccharides, fatty acids, vitamins and some salts in it;

6. Utilization of food is carried out by the body itself.

A significant contribution to the development of the theory was made by A.A. Pokrovsky (1916 – 1976), Soviet biochemist, academician of the USSR Academy of Medical Sciences. In particular, the formula of balanced nutrition by A.A. Pokrovsky is a table where a person’s daily need for the following nutrients is indicated in certain proportions: water, proteins, essential amino acids, nonessential amino acids, carbohydrates, organic acids, fats, essential polyunsaturated fatty acids, cholesterol, phospholipids, minerals, vitamins and vitamin-like connections.