Business of Growing
This depends upon age, weight, and physical activities; the baby and the growing child needing many more calories per pound per day than the adult, who has to supply only his energy and repair needs. The aged require still less than the young adult. As to weight; I have told you why overweight individuals need so little. As to physical activities; the more active, obviously the more calories needed, for every movement consumes calories.
Many Know Nothing of This
The Maine lumbermen, for instance, while working during the winter months, consume from 5000 to 8000 Calories per day. But they do a tremendous amount of physical work.
Mental work does not require added nourishment. This has been proved, and if an excess be taken over what is needed at rest (if considerable exercise is not taken while doing the mental work) the work is not so well done.
Calories Required for Normal
| Per pound | |
| per day | |
| Infants require | 40-50 C. |
| Growing Children | 30-40 C. |
| Adults (depending upon activity) | 15-20 C. |
| Old age requires | 15 or less C. |
In Round Numbers for the Day
| Child 2-6 | 1000 to 1600 C. per day |
| Child 6-12 | 1600 to 2500 C. per day |
| Youth 12-18 | 2500 to 3000 C. per day |
Growth Demands