THE FOOD LAYER OF THE 7 LAYER POVERTY MODEL
The World Health organisation is the leading world authority on guidelines for what we humans need to survive and thrive. You can find stacks of useful information about all this on their web site. Who knew we humans were so medically complex – and yet robust? Apparently they did. They form various expert committees to produce periodic reports, using consolidated medical and scientific inputs from around the world. On their web site, about a key group on human nutrition, they state:
“The scope of the expert consultation, and the subsequent recommended nutrient requirements, included over twenty essential nutrients. These nutrients comprise the basis of all human nutrition:
protein, energy, vitamin A and carotene, vitamin D, vitamin E, vitamin K, thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin B6, pantothenic acid, biotin, vitamin B12, folate, vitamin C, antioxidants, calcium, iron, zinc, selenium, magnesium and iodine.
For each nutrient, consideration was given to function, metabolism, dietary intake patterns, requirement levels, and toxicity. Basal requirements, safe intake levels, recommended dietary allowances, and tolerable upper intake levels are to be established for each. A detailed technical report of the Joint WHO/FAO Expert Consultation, in addition to a briefer handbook on human nutrient requirements, were published in 1999.”
The above link is to another report, that focuses on adapting those GENERAL guidelines referred to in the quote above, to the SPECIFIC requirements for children during their first 1000 days, when they are most vulnerable to nutritional deficiency health impacts. There is plenty of detail to study there if you wish. You will be glad that the Simple Assessment method summarises the key points down to a few questions, regarding the Food Layer of the 7 Layer Poverty Model. However, if it is detail you want, read it and enjoy!