Dietary Reference Intakes
Definition
Dietary Reference Intakes (DRIs) are a set of guidelines for how much of each nutrient you should consume on a daily basis to maintain good health.
Scientific / Technical Definition
Dietary Reference Intakes (DRIs) are a comprehensive set of nutrient reference values used to assess and plan dietary intake for healthy people. They are designed by the Institute of Medicine and include four reference values: Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA), Adequate Intake (AI), Tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL), and Estimated Average Requirement (EAR). These values help to evaluate nutrient intake and guide individuals in maintaining a balanced diet.
Benefits
- Helps prevent nutrient deficiencies
- Supports overall health and well-being
- Guides diet planning and assessment
- Aids in understanding nutritional health
Examples
- Vitamin C: For adults, the RDA is 90 mg for men and 75 mg for women.
- Calcium: The RDA for adults is 1,000 mg daily.
- Fiber: Adequate Intake (AI) is 38 grams for men and 25 grams for women.
Additional Information
- Importance: DRIs are crucial for healthcare professionals and dietitians to provide personalized dietary recommendations and to inform nutrition policy.
Related Terms
References
Last updated: 10/26/2024