Las curvas de indiferencia, un análisis desde la nutrición humana

Abstract

The study of indifference curves, the concepts of insatiability and substitutability are very relevant for this study. However, these theoretical assumptions may not be adequately modeling reality, particularly in the specific case of physiological needs. In this study we try to determine whether these principles are fulfilled from the perspective of human nutrition. The grounded theory was part of the qualitative methodology used, including semi-structured interviews with nutrition specialists, as well as the corresponding review of specialized literature on this topic. The results show that the aforementioned assumptions of indifference curves do not represent the general behavior in the case of nutrients. Consuming more is not always better, since excess nutrients can be eliminated in some cases, in others they can be stored up to a certain limit, but if there is an excessive consumption, it can even cause problems in the organism. This implies that there are areas of indifference that must be included in the corresponding modeling. It is also concluded that substitution between nutrients is not possible. In summary, the indifference curve model generally included in the literature is not an adequate model of reality, at least in relation to human nutrition, the basis of needs in Maslow's pyramid.