Table 6 Dietary Reference Intakes (DRI) Definitions

Estimated Average Requirement (EAR)

The average daily nutrient intake level that is estimated to meet the requirements of half of the healthy individuals in a particular stage and gender group.

Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA)

The average daily dietary nutrient intake level that is sufficient to meet the nutrient requirements of nearly all (97–98 percent) healthy individuals in a particular life stage and gender group.

Adequate Intake (AI)

The recommended average daily intake level based on observed or experimentally determined approximations or estimates of nutrient intake by a group (or groups) of apparently healthy people that are assumed to be adequate, used when an RDA cannot be determined.

Tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL)

The highest average daily nutrient intake level that is likely to pose no risk of adverse health effects to almost all individuals in the general population. As intake increases above the UL, the potential risk of adverse effects may increase.

Acceptable Macronutrient Distribution Ranges (AMDR)

The range of intakes of an energy source that is associated with a reduced risk of chronic disease, yet can provide adequate amounts of essential nutrients. The AMDR is expressed as a percentage of total energy intake.

Estimated Energy Requirements (EER)

The average dietary energy intake that is predicted to maintain energy balance in a healthy individual of a defined age, gender, height, weight, and level of physical activity consistent with good health.