In 1993 there was proposed a new system of monographs for vitamins, replacing the RDA (Recommended Daily Allowance). This system is called the Dietary Reference Intakes.
Within the DRI are four sub-categories. We will now explore these:
Recommended Dietary Allowance/RDA - Daily average intake of a vitamin to meet the needs of most of a given life stage/gender group in good health (97-98%). This is a goal for intake, not assessing a diet.
AI/Adequate Intake Level - Used when EAR cannot be scientifically determined, this is based on observations of the nutrient intake of relatively healthy people; assumed to be adequate.
UI/Tolerable Upper Intake Level - Thought to be the safest maximum level at which a vitamin will not pose a threat. Potential risks on ones body increase as intake goes above this level.
Estimated Adequate Intake (EAR) - This is the average daily nutrient intake level estimates to meet the requirement of 50% of the individuals in a particular life stage/ gender group. It is population weighed and is considered to be the most accurate reflection of food-nutrient needs of a group, excluding young children and pregnant/lactating women, whose needs differ greatly.
In closing it is important to note that these are reference values for planning & assessing diets for a healthy population. The RDA & AI levels should keep a healthy person from developing symptoms of a deficiency, but they are not intended to replenish undernourished people nor may they be adequate for people in states of dis-ease.
If you enjoyed this article and would like to know more, look for future articles on the requirements and sources of each micronutrient in detail, or follow the link for archives. Thank you!
Within the DRI are four sub-categories. We will now explore these:
Recommended Dietary Allowance/RDA - Daily average intake of a vitamin to meet the needs of most of a given life stage/gender group in good health (97-98%). This is a goal for intake, not assessing a diet.
AI/Adequate Intake Level - Used when EAR cannot be scientifically determined, this is based on observations of the nutrient intake of relatively healthy people; assumed to be adequate.
UI/Tolerable Upper Intake Level - Thought to be the safest maximum level at which a vitamin will not pose a threat. Potential risks on ones body increase as intake goes above this level.
Estimated Adequate Intake (EAR) - This is the average daily nutrient intake level estimates to meet the requirement of 50% of the individuals in a particular life stage/ gender group. It is population weighed and is considered to be the most accurate reflection of food-nutrient needs of a group, excluding young children and pregnant/lactating women, whose needs differ greatly.
In closing it is important to note that these are reference values for planning & assessing diets for a healthy population. The RDA & AI levels should keep a healthy person from developing symptoms of a deficiency, but they are not intended to replenish undernourished people nor may they be adequate for people in states of dis-ease.
If you enjoyed this article and would like to know more, look for future articles on the requirements and sources of each micronutrient in detail, or follow the link for archives. Thank you!
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To find out more about vitamins and the new data, please click Vitamin Requirements to access. Mel Possehl can enlighten you on not only Vitamin Requirements, but many other things having to do with nutrition & healthy living!
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