Most Americans consume enough oil in the foods they eat, such as:
- nuts
- fish
- cooking oil
- salad dressings
A person’s allowance for oils depends on age, sex, and level of physical activity. Daily allowances are shown in the chart.
|
Daily allowance*
|
|
Children
|
|
2-3 years old
|
|
3 teaspoons
|
| |
|
4-8 years old
|
|
4 teaspoons
|
 |
|
Girls
|
|
9-13 years old
|
|
5 teaspoons
|
| |
|
14-18 years old
|
|
5 teaspoons
|
|
|
Boys
|
|
9-13 years old
|
|
5 teaspoons
|
| |
|
14-18 years old
|
|
6 teaspoons
|
|
|
Women
|
|
19-30 years old
|
|
6 teaspoons
|
| |
|
31-50 years old
|
|
5 teaspoons
|
| |
|
51+ years old
|
|
5 teaspoons
|
|
|
Men
|
|
19-30 years old
|
|
7 teaspoons
|
| |
|
31-50 years old
|
|
6 teaspoons
|
| |
|
51+ years old
|
|
6 teaspoons
|
*These amounts are appropriate for individuals who get less than 30 minutes per day of moderate physical activity, beyond normal daily activities. Those who are more physically active may be able to consume more while staying within calorie needs.
Click here for more information about physical activity.
