(HealthDay News) -- Women have unique nutritional needs, especially during pregnancy and menopause.

Here's how a woman's diet should differ from that of a man, courtesy of the U.S. government's Office on Women's Health:

  • Calories. Women typically need fewer calories because women naturally have less muscle, more body fat and are usually smaller.
  • Vitamins and minerals. Calcium, iron and folic acid are important for women.
  • Health issues. Women are more likely to have certain health problems, such asceliac disease and lactose intolerance.
  • Metabolism.Women process some foods differently, and burn fewer calories during exercise and at rest than do men.