Dietary requirements refer to specific foods or nutrients that an individual must consume in order to maintain a healthy lifestyle, manage certain medical conditions or adhere to their cultural or religious beliefs. These requirements can vary greatly from person to person and may include restrictions on particular food groups, such as gluten-free diets for those with celiac disease, low-carb diets for weight loss, or vegan diets for animal rights advocates. Understanding an individual's dietary requirements is important when planning meals, preparing food, and selecting menu options to ensure that they can maintain a healthy lifestyle while meeting their nutritional needs.