The prediction of diets of high energy and protein value by linear programming

Abstract

Linear programming has been used in the past to obtain low cost diets meeting certain nutritional requirements. Linear programming was applied to NDpCal%, an index that specifies the nutritional relationships between protein quantity, protein quality, and energy. NDpCal % was expressed mathematically in linear equations so that combinations of food items met a specified NDpCal% at a minimum cost. A low cost food mixture of banana, milk powder, and oil was computed for an NDpCal% of six. This mixture met the protein quality, protein quantity, and energy requirements for a young child. The mixture was then prepared and served to children who found the mixture palatable. Other mathematical models for NDpCal% are considered and implications of this technique in food planning are discussed.