Analysis of Paleo diet in regards to the Australian Dietary Guidelines

Analysis
The Paleo diet in relation to the Australian Dietary Guidelines, does not meet the daily required intake of of each food group. The Australian dietary guidelines recommends consuming a wide variety of foods from the five food groups: Vegetables, Fruit, Grains, Lean Meats/ Poultry/ eggs/tofu/nuts, Dairy products (Milk, yoghurt, cheese etc) and plenty of water. Where as the Paleo diet allows for consumption of Vegetables, Fruit, Lean Meats/ Poultry/ Fish/ Eggs/ Tofu/ Nuts and water. It prohibits consumption of all cereals/grains, all legumes and all diary products. According to the Australian Dietary Guidelines the recommended serving requirements each day of grains is 5-6 servings and for dairy is 2.5 serves. 
Gymdeals.com (2017)


Furthermore, the Australian Dietary Guidelines recommendations are based on scientific evidence developed from quality research (eatforhealth.gov.au, 2020). Eatforhealth.gov.au (2020) states that by following the recommended guidelines, we will consume the required nutrients essential for good health and also help to reduce the risk of chronic health problems. There are six nutrients that are essential to the body for normal functioning, they provide use with energy, building blocks for repair and growth and regulate chemical processes. The Australian Dietary Guidelines ensure that we consume all six of the essential nutrients. The Paleo diet on the the other hand, is absent in whole grains and legumes which are a great source of protein, carbohydrates, fibre, minerals and vitamins. These nutrients have been shown to reduce the risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, obesity and some forms of cancer (Zelman, 2011). Also absent from the Paleo diet is diary products which are high in calcium and protein. Therefore putting you at risk of deficiencies of calcium and Vitamin D which are critical to bone growth.  
Eatforhealth.gov (2013)

Recommendations
Before moving to a Paleo diet, you should seek advice from a medical professional. This diet will not suit everyone, as everyone nutritional needs are different. When thinking of the Paleo diet, you should be aware that it is generally 10% more expensive than an essential diet of similar nutritional value. Calcium deficiency is at an increased risk (Osterdahl, 2008). Despite there being a large amount of positive findings, it needs to be considered cautiously as these findings are limited to small groups. Nevertheless there is enough evidence to consider further consideration of the Paleo diet as a possible management for metabolic diseases (Pitt, 2016). 


Reference
Australian Government - Department of Health. (2020). Eat For Health. Retrieved from: https://
   www.eatforhealth.gov.au
Australian Government - Department of Health. (2013). The Australian Dietary Guidelines.  
   n55_australian_dietary_guidelines.pdf
Zelman, K. (2011). Tips for Reaping the benefits of Whole Grains. Retrieved from: https://

   www.webmd.com/food-recipes/features/reap-the-benefits-of-whole-grains#1

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