Cost optimization of diets was an issue that even a Nobel Laureate considered worth tackling.George Stigler optimized 15 items from 77 major foods and met all the basic requirements of nutrients as per National Research Council guidelines.Computing facilities can help in the task of this optimization using linear programming with or without 'trial and error' used by Stigler.Linear programming uses an objective function which the equation seeks to minimize.In this article in place of a simple cost minimization, we are trying to minimize the fat load of the diet.MS Excel 'Solver' module was used in this example.Energy content of the diet was sought to be equalized while the content of protein, vitamin A, iron and calcium were maximized.Palatability and preference for some of the items were also used to restricting overuse of some of the 'healthy items'.This approach is designed to be used in practical setting of the dietitian's office, given the time restrictions imposed by the consultation.
A et al. (Sat,) studied this question.