Dietary Reference Intakes

Food pyramid(s) are devised based on the food choices that are necessary in order to meet the Dietary Reference Intakes. Different pyramids can be constructed based on the biases of the “author”. By following the food-serving recommendations of the USDA food pyramid, one would meet all of the nutrient requirements recommended by the DRI. Because the USDA is a political body, some of the food servings have been derived based in part on lobbying efforts by certain elements within the food industry; meat, for example.

Healthy Lifestyle Food Pyramid ©C. Murray Ardies The Healthy Lifestyle Food Pyramid* also meets the DRI but is vegetarian-based & provides a phytochemical-rich diet that promotes prevention of a variety of chronic diseases and it includes specific requirements for exercise to enhance prevention. The meat component is optional because the nuts- seeds-beans-legumes component comprises a meat- substitute and the only meat recommendation is 2 servings of fish/week. *Optimal Health Guide – Stipes Publishing, LLC, Champaign Illinois,

Food And Nutrition Board IOM-NAS (USA) 1993 Symposium - Should RDA’s be Revised? Canadian National Institute of Nutrition (Health Canada) 1990 Symposium - Should RNI’s be Revised? Food & Nutrition Board Canadian National Institute of Nutrition 1995 Created the Standing Committee on the Scientific Evaluation of Dietary Reference Intakes To revise existing nutritional standards based on new information to create Nutrient-Based Recommendations to Serve North America A Brief History

IOM Publications (DRI) Calcium, Phosphorus, Magnesium, Vitamin D & Fluoride Thiamin, Riboflavin, Niacin, B6, Folate, B12, Pantothenic Acid, Biotin, & Choline - C, E, Selenium Carotenoids A, K, Arsenic, Boron, Chromium, Copper, Iodine, Iron, Manganese, Molybdenum, Nickel, Silicon, Vanadium & Zinc Energy, Carbohydrate, Fiber, Fat, Fatty Acids, Cholesterol, Protein & Amino Acids Water, Potassium, Sodium, Chloride & Sulfate

Dietary Reference Intakes Replace the RNI and RDA for Healthy Individuals Estimated Average Requirement: EAR Recommended Dietary Allowance: RDA Adequate Intake: AI Tolerable Upper Limit:UL Based on: Research Experiments/Surveys: Consumption Disease Incidence Disease Prevention Biochemical Function

Biochemical correlates associated with nutrient function are used to determine adequacy. The recommendations are based on the distribution of the specific analyses within the target population (including specific function and its relation to disease and disease prevention). Thus the DRI’s are really statistical estimates of population parameters related to nutrient intake & health.

DRI’s

EARUse to examine the possibility of inadequate reported intake RDAUsual intakes at this level have a low possibility of inadequacy AIUsual intakes at this level have a low probability of inadequacy ULUsual intakes above this level have a risk for adverse effects

RDA & Health Inclusion of health indices has altered some RDA’s dramatically (a few examples): Vitamin C+ 25% ♀ & ♂ Folic Acid+ 100% ♀ & ♂ Vitamin E + 100% ♀ &+ 50% ♂ Iron + 20% ♀ &- 20% ♂ Copper - 50% ♀ &♂

A Wee Bit of Diet Analysis Stuff … Evaluation of true nutritional status requires clinical, biochemical, and anthropomorphic data Diet analysis requires an accurate measure of usual intake and addresses the question: Is an individuals dietary intake adequate to meet their Nutritional Requirements? To be adequate an individuals usual intake (y) should be equal to or exceed the individuals requirement for that nutrient (p): If y > p then y is adequate If y < p then y is inadequate

An individuals actual nutritional requirement (p) is unknown An Individuals usual intake (y) is unknown Because the DRI’s are statistical constructs a statistical approach is necessary EAR is used as an estimate of r and SD of r is proportional to the uncertainty about how accurately r estimates p. Mean intake over n days (y) is used as an estimate of y and SD of y is proportional to the uncertainty about how accurately y estimates y.

For practical purposes y and r are used instead of y and p and the difference (D) between y and r is used to make inferences regarding adequacy of the diet D = y - r Because of uncertainty of both y and r, SD D must be calculated and the ratio of D / SD D is used to construct a level of confidence SD D = V r + (V within / n) √

Use z-score values to determine levels of confidence for the D/SDD ratio