Principle of Nutrition (GTN207)

Dietary Reference Intakes

By: Dr. Hamid Jan B. Jan Mohamed

Course outline
DRIs Nutrient requirement EAR, RDA/RNI, AI & UL Uses of RNI EER Physical Activity

Dietary Reference Intakes

DRIs is a set of four types of nutrient intake reference standards used to assess and plan dietary intake; these include: Estimated Average Requirements (EARs), Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDAs) or Recommended Nutrient Intake (RNI), Adequate Intake levels (AIs), and Tolerable Upper Intake Levels (ULs).

Dietary Reference Intake Standards

Dietary Reference Intake (DRI) standards

Estimated Average Requirement (EAR)

Adequate Intake Level (AI)

Tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL)

-Used to examine likelihood that intake is inadequate

-Used to examine likelihood that intake is adequate when no RDA/RNI is set for a nutrient

-Used to examine likelihood of excess of toxicity

Recommended Nutrient Intake (RNI) or RDA

-Used as a goal to help assure intake is adequate

Nutrient requirement
The lowest chronic intake level of a nutrient that supports a defined level of nutritional status in a particular individual. The amount of nutrient that must be consumed to prevent deficiencies. Influenced by age, sex, genetics, medications and environmental DRIs are only estimates of average nutrient requirements in a healthy population

Estimated Average Requirement (EAR)

The amount of a nutrient that meets the physiological requirements of half (50%) the healthy population of similar individuals. Established using mathematical equations to predict requirement for half the population. Very useful in research settings to evaluate whether a group of people is likely to be consuming adequate amounts of a nutrient. It is inappropriate to use the EAR values as recommended dietary intake goals for dietary intake of individuals.

Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA)

The average chronic intake level of a nutrient thought to meet the nutrient requirements of nearly all (97%) healthy people in a particular physiological state and age. RDA values are derived directly from the EARs using mathematical equation. RDAs include a built-in safety margin to help assure adequate nutrient intake in the population. RDAs do not distinguish between whether the nutrient is found in foods, is added to foods, or is consumed in supplemet form In Malaysia, RDA named as Recommend Nutrient Intake (RNI)

Adequate Intake Level (AI)

Nutrient intake of healthy populations that appears to support adequate nutritional status set as goals of dietary assessment and planning when RDAs cannot be established. The AI were based on experimentally documented intake levels of a nutrient that seemed to maintain adequate nutritional status in healthy people. In general AI levels are thought to exceed true nutrient requirement. Eg: Water, Total fiber, Linoleic acid, Linolenic acid, Biotin, Vitamin D

Tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL)

The RDA and IA values have been established to prevent deficiencies and decrease risk of chronic degenerative diseases. Avoiding toxicity is also important. UL The highest level of chronic intake of a nutrient thought to be not detrimental to health. Not to be used as target intake or goals. Fortification and supplements use.

The DRIs

Source: RNI Malaysia, 2005

Uses of RNI
Refer to RNI pdf file.

Estimated Energy Requirements (EERs)

Establishing recommendations for energy intake is challenging. Energy requirements are influenced by many factors. EER- Average energy intake required to maintain energy balance in healthy individuals based on sex, age, physical activity level, weight and height. Adult man: EER= 662- [9.53 x age (y)] + PA x [15.91 x wt (kg) + 539.6 x ht (m)] Adult woman: EER= 354 [6.91 x age (y)] + PA x [9.36 x wt (kg) + 726 x ht (m)]

Physical Activity (PA)

Sedentary (Men and women =1): No physical activity aside from that needed for independent living. Low active (Men=1.11, Women=1.12): 1.5-3.0 miles/day plus day-to-day life activity. Active (Men=1.25, Women= 1.27): 3-10 miles/day plus day-to-day life activity. Very active (Men=1.48, Women= 1.45): 10 miles/day plus day-to-day life activity.

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