Dietary

Reference
Intakes (DRIs)
Caraca, Nathalie Kate D.
Dietary Reference Intake
• comprise a set of reference values for specific
nutrients, each category of which has special
uses
• establishment of these values requires that a
criterion of nutritional adequacy be carefully
chosen for each nutrient and that the
population for whom these values apply be
carefully defined
Dietary Reference Intake
• the criterion may differ for individuals at
different life stages
• a quantitative tool in assessing the nutritional
adequacy of diet
Dietary Reference Intake
• Estimated Average Requirement (EAR)
• Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDA)
• Adequate Intake (AI)
• Tolerable Upper Intake Levels (UL)
Estimated Average Requirement
• The average daily nutrient intake level
estimated to meet the requirement of
half the healthy individuals in a
particular life stage and gender group
Estimated Average Requirement
• The committee reviews hundreds of
research studies to determine the
requirement for a nutrient how much is
needed in the diet
Estimated Average Requirement

• At this level of intake, the other half of

the individuals in the specified group
would not have their needs met.
Estimated Average Requirement

• The EAR is used to calculate the RDA.

• It is also used to assess the adequacy
of nutrient intakes, and can be used to
plan the intake of groups.
Recommended Dietary Allowances
• The average daily dietary nutrient intake
level sufficient to meet the nutrient
requirement of nearly all healthy
individuals in a particular life stage and
gender group
Recommended Dietary Allowances

• Uses the EAR as a basis to establish a

goal for dietary intake that will meet the
needs of almost all
Recommended Dietary Allowances

• The RDA is used as a goal for daily

intake by individuals