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.
The DRI includes four subcategories, as follows:
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.
Tolerable Upper Intake Level/UI - Estimated maximum level at which a nutrient is thought to be safe. Increased risk goes up as ingestion 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.
It is important to note before closing that the RDA & AI may not be adequate for people recovering from deficiencies, or for those in a diseased or compromised state. They are used, rather, as a tool for planning and assessing a population's healthy diet.
I hope you enjoyed this article. To learn more please follow the links provided.
The DRI includes four subcategories, as follows:
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.
Tolerable Upper Intake Level/UI - Estimated maximum level at which a nutrient is thought to be safe. Increased risk goes up as ingestion 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.
It is important to note before closing that the RDA & AI may not be adequate for people recovering from deficiencies, or for those in a diseased or compromised state. They are used, rather, as a tool for planning and assessing a population's healthy diet.
I hope you enjoyed this article. To learn more please follow the links provided.
About the Author:
To learn more about micronutrients and the new monograms, please click Vitamin Requirements to view. Mel Possehl can educate you on not only Vitamin Requirements, but many other things having to do with nutrition & holistic living!
