meat as component of a balanced diet from the point of view of the nutritionist meat has an important role to play in supplying the body with proteins essential amino acids vitamins and minerals there is no doubt that meat is the most valuable source of dietary iron these facts make meat an important constituent of a balanced diet in a range of age and performance groups including children and adolescents pregnant women and nursing mothers senior citizens and athletes in the discussion about the nutritionalphysiological quality of meat and meat products total fat cholesterol and purines must also be considered about 80 g of lean meat per day or a portion of about 150 g three times a week in patients with disorders of fat metabolism or elevated uric acid levels complies with the recommendations for lowfat and lowcholesterol alimentation and helps ensure a balanced diet