LINEAR-PROGRAMMING TECHNIQUES FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF PALATABLE HUMANDIETS

Mathematical modelling of the relationship between acceptable diets an d satisfactory nutrition is discussed. The classical minimum-cost diet problem is unsuited to most purposes in human dietetics, since the ob jective of least monetary cost leads to diets which are unpalatable, b oth generally and to individuals. In this paper a different approach, using an objective function based on the food preferences of individua ls, is described. A computational method, based on this analysis, for constructing individually acceptable diets by means of linear programm ing is described. Careful use of post-optimal analysis provides invalu able insight to individual patients, and their medical advisors, on th e changes to their eating habits which will most readily enable them t o meet nutrient intake targets. An example, using data appropriate to a patient with chronic renal failure, demonstrates the usefulness to n utritionists and dietitians of this approach to dietary recommendation s.