Week 3 - Nutrient Reference Values

Question 1

Nutrient reference values

Answer 1

• Provides a framework for determining adequacy of nutrient intake to prevent deficiency and for chronic disease risk reduction
• Provides macronutrients, vitamins and minerals
• Different set of recommendations for different genders, age and activity levels
• Can be used and assessing diets

Question 2

Types of nutrient values

Answer 2

• Estimated average requirement
• Recommended dietary intake
• Adequate intake
• Acceptable macronutrient distribution range
• Upper level of intake
• Estimated energy requirement
• Suggested dietary target

Question 3

Estimated Average Requirement (EAR)

Answer 3

This is a daily nutrient level estimated to meet the requirements of half the healthy individuals in a particular life stage or gender group

Question 4

Recommended Dietary Intake (RDI)

Answer 4

This is an average daily dietary intake level sufficient to meet the nutrient requirements of nearly all healthy individuals in a life stage/gender group
- Uses EAR as a base and includes sufficient daily amounts of nutrients to meet the known nutrients needs of practically all of the healthy population

Question 5

Adequate Intake

Answer 5

• The average daily nutrient intake level based on approximations of intake in apparently healthy people that are assumed to be adequate.
• Use it in place of RDI as there is no enough evidence to set and RDI or EAR

Question 6

Upper Level of Intake

Answer 6

• The highest average daily nutrient intake level likely to pose no adverse health effects to almost all individuals in the general population
• As intake increases, potential risk of adverse effects increases

Question 7

Acceptable Macronutrient Distribution Range (AMDR)

Answer 7

This is an estimate of the range of intake of each macronutrient for individuals which would allow for an update intake of all other nutrients whilst maximising general health outcomes

Question 8

Fat AMDR

Answer 8

• To reduce risk of chronic disease recommended 20-35% total energy from fat
• Total fat should not be below 15% for women
• Saturated fat should not exceed 10% total energy intake

Question 9

Carbohydrate AMDR

Answer 9

To reduce risk of chronic disease a diet containing 45-65% total energy from carbohydrates is suggested

Question 10

Protein AMDR

Answer 10

15-25%

Question 11

Using and interpreting NRV’s

Answer 11

• Applies to healthy people
• Can not diagnose deficiency of nutrient based on NRV
• Recommendations are not minimum requirements and can be adjusted for individuals
• Achieved by consuming a variety of foods
• Apply to average daily intakes
• Each NRV category serves a unique purpose
• NRVs should be used and interpreted by trained health professionals

Question 12

Energy

Answer 12

• Not a nutrient but important for many bodily functions
• Macronutrients are main sources of energy
• Energy intake recommendations different to other nutrients

Question 13

Estimated Energy Requirement (EER)

Answer 13

• The average dietary energy intake that is predicted to maintain energy balance
• In children and pregnant/lactating women the EER is taken to include the needs associated with growth and development