Nutrition: Nutrients Guidelines

Estimated Average Requirement (EAR)

average daily intake level of a nutrient that will meet the needs of half of the healthy people in a particular life stage and gender group; used to determine the RDA of a nutrient

Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA)

average daily level required to meet the needs of 97-98% of healthy people in a particular life stage and gender group

Estimated Energy Requirement (EER)

average dietary energy intake to maintain energy balance; based on age, gender, weight, height, and level of physical activity

Reference Daily Intakes (RDIs)

for foods with a RDA

Daily Reference Values (DRVs)

for foods without an RDA

Tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL)

highest average daily intake level that is not likely to have adverse effects on health of most people; consumption of a nutrient at levels above it is not considered safe

Acceptable Macronutrient Distribution Range (AMDR)

range of energy intake from carbs, fats and proteins associated with reduced risk of chronic disease

Adequate Intake (AI)

recommended average daily intake level for a nutrient; used when RDA isn't yet established