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For the Adult.—Muscular activity, Age and Size, are most important factors influencing the food requirements. The physical condition and environment of the individual also exert a certain amount of influence upon the intake of food.

Work.—Muscular activity, as already stated, increases the body expenditures; consequently the more active the work the greater amount of energy food needed per unit of weight.

Age.—As the individual grows older, the rate of metabolism decreases until, in old age, it is not more than a third to a fifth of what it was in earlier life. This is due to a general “slowing down” of the machinery, the heart does not beat so rapidly, nor is the respiration so quick. The digestive organs, the heart, the liver, and the kidneys, cannot handle the volume of food which was required during the period of greatest physical activity. Hence, any great excess over and above that which is needed for the maintenance of the body in health will be a source of danger to the elderly person. Von Noorden claims the food requirements of individuals from