The human body requires energy for all bodily functions, including work and other activities, the maintenance of body temperature and the continuous action of the heart and lungs.  In children, energy is essential for growth. Energy is needed for the breakdown, repair and building of tissues.

A Model for Establishing Upper Levels of Intake for Nutrients and Related Substances: Report of a Joint FAO/WHO Technical Workshop on Nutrient Risk Assessment, 2-6 May 2005

Human energy requirements. Report of a Joint FAO/WHO/UNU Expert Consultation. FAO Food and Nutrition Technical Report Series No. 1. Rome: Food and Agriculture Organization, 2004

Food energy- methods of analysis and conversion factors. Report of a Technical Workshop. FAO Food and Nutrition Paper 77. Rome: Food and Agriculture Organization, 2003.

• Codex Alimentarius
• Food Safety and Quality