Introduction to Vitamins, Part 2

In 1993 there was proposed a new system of monographs for vitamins, replacing the RDA (Recommended Daily Allowance). This system is called the Dietary Reference Intakes.

We will now take a look at the 4 subcategories of the DRI:

Recommended Dietary Allowance/RDA – Daily average intake of a vitamin to meet the needs of most of a given life stage/gender group in good health (97-98%). This is a goal for intake, not assessing a diet.

Adequate Intake Level (AI) – This is based on observed and or experimentally determined estimates of nutrient intake by relatively healthy people that are assumed to be adequate. This estimate is used when there is insufficient evidence to calculate the EAR (see below).

UI/Tolerable Upper Intake Level – Thought to be the safest maximum level at which a vitamin will not pose a threat. Potential risks on ones body increase as intake goes above this level.

Estimated Adequate Intake/EAR – Estimated to meet the needs of fifty percent of individuals at a particular life stage or in a particular gender group. It is believed to be the most accurate depiction of need – not including lactating/pregnant women or children under 4 years of age.

It is important to note before closing that the RDA & AI may not be adequate for people recovering from deficiencies, or for those in a diseased or compromised state. They are used, rather, as a tool for planning and assessing a population’s healthy diet.

If you enjoyed this article and would like to know more, look for future articles on the requirements and sources of each micronutrient in detail, or follow the link for archives. Thank you!
To find out more about vitamins and the new data, please click Vitamin Requirements to view. Melissa Possehl can educate you on not only Vitamin Requirements, but many other things having to do with nutrition & healthy living!