Principles of DieteticsDifficulty 3/5
Which reference value should be used to assess whether an individual's usual nutrient intake is likely adequate?
- AThe Estimated Average Requirement, because it allows a probability assessment
- BThe Tolerable Upper Intake Level, because it defines the safe ceiling
- CThe Adequate Intake, because it is set from observed intakes in healthy groups
- DThe Recommended Dietary Allowance, because it covers nearly all healthy people
Show answer and rationale
Correct: A. The EAR is the reference used to assess the adequacy of an individual's usual intake, because it supports a probability statement about meeting requirements. The RDA is a planning goal, the UL is a safety ceiling and the AI is used where an EAR could not be established.
- D — The RDA is used to plan intakes, not to judge adequacy of an individual's intake.
- B — The UL addresses risk of excess rather than adequacy.
- C — The AI is used only when the evidence is insufficient to set an EAR.