Food And Nutrition Board Institute Of Medicine Dietary Reference Intakes
The Food and Nutrition Board (FNB) is a division of the Institute of Medicine (IOM), which is a non-profit organization that provides evidence-based research and guidance to improve public health. The FNB is responsible for establishing the Dietary Reference Intakes (DRIs), which are a set of nutrient recommendations that are used to assess and plan diets for healthy individuals in the United States and Canada. The DRIs are based on the latest scientific research and are updated regularly to reflect new findings.
What Are The Dietary Reference Intakes?
The DRIs are a set of nutrient recommendations that are used to assess and plan diets for healthy individuals in the United States and Canada. The DRIs include four different types of reference values: the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA), the Adequate Intake (AI), the Tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL), and the Estimated Average Requirement (EAR). Each of these reference values is based on different criteria, such as the amount of a nutrient needed to maintain health or the amount that can be safely consumed without causing adverse effects.
Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA)
The RDA is the average daily dietary intake level that is sufficient to meet the nutrient requirements of nearly all (97-98%) healthy individuals in a particular life stage and gender group. The RDA is based on scientific evidence and is intended to be used as a target intake for individuals to achieve over time. The RDA is typically higher than the EAR, which is the average daily intake level that is estimated to meet the nutrient requirements of half of the healthy individuals in a particular life stage and gender group.
Adequate Intake (AI)
The AI is the recommended daily intake level for a nutrient when there is insufficient scientific data to establish an RDA. The AI is based on scientific judgment and is intended to be used as a target intake until more scientific data becomes available. The AI is typically derived from the observed intake levels of healthy populations or from the amount of a nutrient that is required to support a specific function in the body.
Tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL)
The UL is the highest daily intake level of a nutrient that is likely to pose no risk of adverse health effects to almost all individuals in the general population. The UL is based on scientific evidence and is intended to help prevent the harmful effects of overconsumption of nutrients. The UL is typically established for nutrients that can be toxic when consumed in large amounts, such as vitamin A or iron.
Estimated Average Requirement (EAR)
The EAR is the average daily intake level of a nutrient that is estimated to meet the nutrient requirements of half of the healthy individuals in a particular life stage and gender group. The EAR is based on scientific evidence and is intended to be used as a starting point for setting the RDA. The EAR is typically used in research settings to assess the adequacy of nutrient intakes of populations.
Why Are The Dietary Reference Intakes Important?
The DRIs are important because they provide a framework for assessing and planning diets that promote health and prevent chronic diseases. The DRIs are used by health professionals and policymakers to develop nutrition policies, food assistance programs, and public health campaigns. The DRIs also provide guidance to food manufacturers and retailers to develop and market products that meet the nutrient needs of consumers. In addition, the DRIs are used by researchers to study the relationship between nutrient intakes and health outcomes.
Conclusion
In summary, the Dietary Reference Intakes (DRIs) are a set of nutrient recommendations that are used to assess and plan diets for healthy individuals in the United States and Canada. The DRIs include four different types of reference values: the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA), the Adequate Intake (AI), the Tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL), and the Estimated Average Requirement (EAR). Each of these reference values is based on different criteria and is intended to help promote health and prevent chronic diseases. The DRIs are important because they provide a framework for assessing and planning diets that meet the nutrient needs of individuals and populations.