Dietary Reference Intakes (DRIs)

• Umbrella Term: Covers several components related to nutrition and health.

Subcategories of DRIs

• Acceptable Macronutrient Distribution Range (AMDR)

  • Focus: Macronutrients - carbohydrates, protein, and fats.
  • Defined to prevent chronic diseases and optimize health.
  • Carbohydrates: 45-65% of total calorie intake.
  • Protein: 10-35% of total calorie intake.
  • Fats: 20-35% of total calorie intake.
  • Provides flexibility in dietary choices.

• Estimated Average Requirement (EAR)

  • Focus: Micronutrients - vitamins and minerals.
  • Represents the mean requirement of a nutrient for a population.
  • Used to assess the adequacy of population intakes.

• Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA)

  • Derived from EAR using statistical methods.
  • Amount of nutrient intake sufficient to meet the needs of 97-98% of the population.
  • Ensures most people's nutritional needs are met without excess.

• Adequate Intake (AI)

  • Used when there isn't enough research to establish an EAR and RDA.
  • Based on estimates from existing literature and observations.

• Tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL)

  • Indicates the maximum daily intake unlikely to cause adverse health effects.
  • Important for preventing toxicity, mostly relevant to supplement intake.
  • Consuming slightly above RDA is safe, but consistent high intake can lead to toxicity.

Toxicity and Safety

• Most toxicities arise from high-dose supplements rather than food.
• UL helps determine safe consumption levels.

Additional Notes

• Understanding these categories helps in making informed dietary choices.
• For questions, consult the instructor or teaching assistants.