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.
We will now take a look at the 4 subcategories of the DRI:
RDA/Recommended Dietary Allowance - This is not a goal for assessing a
diet, but rather for intake, and is the daily avg. intake level
required to meet the needs of ninety-seven to ninety-eight percent of
healthy people in any given gender group or life stage.
Adequate Intake Level/AI - Based on experimentally determined or
observed estimates of the vitamin intake of healthy people that is
assumed to be adequate. Used when EAR cannot be determined.
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.
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