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Summary
This is one volume in a series of reports that presents dietary refer-
ence values for the intake of nutrients by Americans and Canadians. This
report provides Dietary Reference Intakes (DRIs) for energy and the
macronutrients carbohydrate, fiber, fat, fatty acids, cholesterol, protein,
and amino acids. While the role of ethanol in macronutrient metabolism
and energy is briefly discussed in this report, its role in chronic diseases
will be reviewed in a future DRI report.
The development of DRIs expands and replaces the series of reports
called Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDAs) published in the United
States and Recommended Nutrient Intakes (RNIs) in Canada. A major impetus
for the expansion of this review is the growing recognition of the many
uses to which RDAs and RNIs have been applied and the growing aware-
ness that many of these uses require the application of statistically valid
methods that depend on reference values other than RDAs. This report
includes a review of the roles that macronutrients are known to play in
traditional deficiency diseases as well as chronic diseases.
The overall project is a comprehensive effort undertaken by the Stand-
ing Committee on the Scientific Evaluation of Dietary Reference Intakes
of the Food and Nutrition Board, Institute of Medicine, the National
Academies, in collaboration with Health Canada (see Appendix B for a
description of the overall process and its origins). This study was requested
by the Federal Steering Committee for Dietary Reference Intakes, which is
coordinated by the Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion of
the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, in collaboration with
Health Canada.
1
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2 DIETARY REFERENCE INTAKES
Major new approaches and findings in this report include the following:
• The establishment of Estimated Energy Requirements (EER) at four
levels of energy expenditure (Chapter 5).
• Recommendations for levels of physical activity associated with a
normal body mass index range (Chapter 12).
• The establishment of RDAs for dietary carbohydrate (Chapter 6)
and protein (Chapter 10).
• The development of the definitions Dietary Fiber, Functional Fiber,
and Total Fiber (Chapter 7).
• The establishment of Adequate Intakes (AI) for Total Fiber (Chapter 7).
• The establishment of AIs for linoleic and α-linolenic acids (Chapter 8).
• Acceptable Macronutrient Distribution Ranges as a percent of energy
intake for fat, carbohydrate, linoleic and α-linolenic acids, and protein
(Chapter 11).
• Research recommendations for information needed to advance the
understanding of human energy and macronutrient requirements and the
adverse effects associated with intake of higher amounts (Chapter 14).
APPROACH FOR SETTING DIETARY REFERENCE INTAKES
The scientific data used to develop Dietary Reference Intakes (DRIs)
have come from observational and experimental studies. Studies published
in peer-reviewed journals were the principal source of data. Life stage and
gender were considered to the extent possible, but the data did not pro-
vide a basis for proposing different requirements for men, for pregnant
and nonlactating women, and for nonpregnant and nonlactating women
in different age groups for many of the macronutrients. Three of the cat-
egories of reference the values—the Estimated Average Requirement
(EAR), Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA), and Estimated Energy
Requirement (EER)—are defined by specific criteria of nutrient adequacy;
the third, the Tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL), is defined by a specific
endpoint of adverse effect, when one is available (see Box S-1). In all cases,
data were examined closely to determine whether a functional endpoint
could be used as a criterion of adequacy. The quality of studies was exam-
ined by considering study design; methods used for measuring intake and
indicators of adequacy; and biases, interactions, and confounding factors.
Although the reference values are based on data, the data were often
scanty or drawn from studies that had limitations in addressing the various
questions that confronted the panel. Therefore, many of the questions
raised about the requirements for, and recommended intakes of, these
macronutrients cannot be answered fully because of inadequacies in the
present database. Apart from studies of overt deficiency diseases, there is a
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3
S UMMARY
BOX S-1
Dietary Reference Intakes
Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA): the average daily dietary nutrient
intake level sufficient to meet the nutrient requirement of nearly all (97 to 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.
Estimated Average Requirement (EAR): the average daily nutrient intake level
estimated to meet the requirement of half the healthy individuals in a particular life
stage and gender group.a
a In the case of energy, an Estimated Energy Requirement (EER) is pro-
vided. The EER is the average dietary energy intake that is predicted to
maintain energy balance in a healthy adult of a defined age, gender, weight,
height, and level of physical activity consistent with good health. In children
and pregnant and lactating women, the EER is taken to include the needs
associated with the deposition of tissues or the secretion of milk at rates
consistent with good health.
dearth of studies that address specific effects of inadequate intakes on
specific indicators of health status, and a research agenda is proposed (see
Chapter 14). The reasoning used to establish the values is described for
each nutrient in Chapters 5 through 10. While the various recommenda-
tions are provided as single-rounded numbers for practical considerations,
it is acknowledged that these values imply a precision not fully justified by
the underlying data in the case of currently available human studies.
Except for fiber, the scientific evidence related to the prevention of
chronic degenerative disease was judged to be too nonspecific to be used
as the basis for setting any of the recommended levels of intake for the
nutrients. The indicators used in deriving the EARs, and thus the RDAs,
are described below.
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4 DIETARY REFERENCE INTAKES
NUTRIENT FUNCTIONS AND THE INDICATORS
USED TO ESTIMATE REQUIREMENTS
Energy is required to sustain the body’s various functions, including
respiration, circulation, physical work, and protein synthesis. This energy
is supplied by carbohydrates, proteins, fats, and alcohol in the diet. The
energy balance of an individual depends on his or her dietary energy
intake and energy expenditure. The Estimated Energy Requirement (EER)
is defined as the average dietary energy intake that is predicted to main-
tain energy balance in a healthy adult of a defined age, gender, weight,
height, and level of physical activity, consistent with good health (Table S-1).
In children and pregnant and lactating women, the EER is taken to include
the needs associated with the deposition of tissues or the secretion of milk
at rates consistent with good health. While EERs can be estimated for four
levels of activity from the equations provided, the active physical activity
level is recommended to maintain health.
Carbohydrates (sugars and starches) provide energy to cells in the body,
particularly the brain, which is a carbohydrate-dependent organ. An Esti-
mated Average Requirement (EAR) for carbohydrate is established based
on the average amount of glucose utilized by the brain. The Recommended
Dietary Allowance (RDA) for carbohydrate is set at 130 g/d for adults and
children (Table S-2). There was insufficient evidence to set a daily intake
of sugars or added sugars that individuals should aim for.
Dietary Fiber is defined as nondigestible carbohydrates and lignin that
are intrinsic and intact in plants. Functional Fiber is defined as isolated,
nondigestible carbohydrates that have been shown to have beneficial physi-
ological effects in humans. Total Fiber is the sum of Dietary Fiber and Func-
tional Fiber. Viscous fibers delay the gastric emptying of ingested foods into
the small intestine, which can result in a sensation of fullness. This delayed
emptying effect also results in reduced postprandial blood glucose con-
centrations. Viscous fibers can also interfere with the absorption of dietary
fat and cholesterol, as well as the enterohepatic recirculation of cholesterol
and bile acids, which may result in reduced blood cholesterol concentra-
tions. An Adequate Intake (AI) for Total Fiber is set at 38 and 25 g/d for
men and women ages 19 to 50, respectively (Table S-3).
Fat is a major source of fuel energy for the body and aids in the
absorption of fat-soluble vitamins and other food components such as
carotenoids. Because the percent of energy that is consumed as fat can vary
greatly while still meeting daily energy needs, neither an AI nor EAR is set
for adults (the AI for infants is given in Table S-4). Saturated fatty acids,
monounsaturated fatty acids, and cholesterol are synthesized by the body and
have no known beneficial role in preventing chronic diseases, and thus are
not required in the diet. Therefore, no AI, EAR, or RDA is set. The n-6
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5
S UMMARY
TABLE S-1 Criteria and Dietary Reference Intake Values for
Energy by Active Individuals by Life Stage Groupa
Active PAL EERb (kcal/d)
Life Stage Group Criterion Male Female
0 through 6 mo Energy expenditure plus 570 520 (3 mo)
energy deposition
7 through 12 mo Energy expenditure plus 743 676 (9 mo)
energy deposition
1 through 2 y Energy expenditure plus 1,046 992 (24 mo)
energy deposition
3 through 8 y Energy expenditure plus 1,742 1,642 (6 y)
energy deposition
9 through 13 y Energy expenditure plus 2,279 2,071 (11 y)
energy deposition
14 through 18 y Energy expenditure plus 3,152 2,368 (16 y)
energy deposition
3,067c 2,403c (19 y)
> 18 y Energy expenditure
Pregnancy
14 through 18 y Adolescent female EER plus change
1st trimester in Total Energy Expenditure (TEE) 2,368 (16 y)
2nd trimester plus pregnancy energy deposition 2,708 (16 y)
3rd trimester 2,820 (16 y)
19 through 50 y Adult female EER plus change in
2,403c (19 y)
1st trimester TEE plus pregnancy energy
2,743c (19 y)
2nd trimester deposition
2,855c (19 y)
3rd trimester
Lactation
14 through 18 y Adolescent female EER plus milk
1st 6 mo energy output minus weight loss 2,698 (16 y)
2nd 6 mo 2,768 (16 y)
19 through 50 y Adult female EER plus milk energy
2,733c (19 y)
1st 6 mo output minus weight loss
2,803c (19 y)
2nd 6 mo
a For healthy active Americans and Canadians. Based on the cited age, an active physi-
cal activity level, and the reference heights and weights cited in Table 1-1. Individual-
ized EERs can be determined by using the equations in Chapter 5.
b PAL = Physical Activity Level, EER = Estimated Energy Requirement. The intake that
meets the average energy expenditure of individuals at the reference height, weight,
and age (see Table 1-1).
c Subtract 10 kcal/d for males and 7 kcal/d for females for each year of age above 19 years.
polyunsaturated fatty acid, linoleic acid, is an essential fatty acid. A deficiency
of n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids is characterized by rough and scaly
skin, dermatitis, and an elevated eicosatrienoic acid:arachidonic acid
(triene:tetraene) ratio. The AI for linoleic acid is based on the median
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6 DIETARY REFERENCE INTAKES
TABLE S-2 Criteria and Dietary Reference Intake Values for
Carbohydrate by Life Stage Group
EARa (g/d) RDAb (g/d)
Male Female Male Female AIc (g/d)
Life Stage Group Criterion
0 through 6 mo Average content of 60
human milk
7 through 12 mo Average intake from 95
human milk plus
complementary foods
1 through 3 y Extrapolation from 100 100 130 130
adult data
4 through 8 y Extrapolation from 100 100 130 130
adult data
9 through 13 y Extrapolation from 100 100 130 130
adult data
14 through 18 y Extrapolation from 100 100 130 130
adult data
> 18 y Brain glucose utilization 100 100 130 130
Pregnancy
14 through 18 y Adolescent female EAR 135 175
plus fetal brain glucose
utilization
19 through 50 y Adult female EAR plus 135 175
fetal brain glucose
utilization
Lactation
14 through 18 y Adolescent female EAR 160 210
plus average human milk
content of carbohydrate
19 through 50 y Adult female EAR plus 160 210
average human milk
content of carbohydrate
a EAR = Estimated Average Requirement. The intake that meets the estimated nutrient
needs of half the individuals in a group.
b RDA = Recommended Dietary Allowance. The intake that meets the nutrient need of
almost all (97–98 percent) individuals in a group.
c AI = Adequate Intake: the observed average or experimentally determined intake by a
defined population or subgroup that appears to sustain a defined nutritional status,
such as growth rate, normal circulating nutrient values, or other functional indicators
of health. The AI is used if sufficient scientific evidence is not available to derive an
EAR. For healthy infants receiving human milk, the AI is the mean intake. The AI is not
equivalent to an RDA.
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7
S UMMARY
TABLE S-3 Criteria and Dietary Reference Intake Values for
Total Fiber by Life Stage Group
AIa (g/d)
Life Stage Group Criterion Male Female
ND b
0 through 6 mo ND
7 through 12 mo ND ND
1 through 3 y Intake level shown to provide the 19 19
greatest protection against coronary
heart disease (14 g/1,000 kcal) ×
median energy intake level
(kcal/1,000 kcal/d)
4 through 8 y Intake level shown to provide the 25 25
greatest protection against coronary
heart disease (14 g/1,000 kcal) ×
median energy intake level
(kcal/1,000 kcal/d)
9 through 13 y Intake level shown to provide the 31 26
greatest protection against coronary
heart disease (14 g/1,000 kcal) ×
median energy intake level
(kcal/1,000 kcal/d)
14 through 18 y 38 26
19 through 30 y Intake level shown to provide the 38 25
greatest protection against coronary
heart disease (14 g/1,000 kcal) ×
median energy intake level
(kcal/1,000 kcal/d)
31 through 50 y Intake level shown to provide the 38 25
greatest protection against coronary
heart disease (14 g/1,000 kcal) ×
median energy intake level
(kcal/1,000 kcal/d)
51 through 70 y Intake level shown to provide the 30 21
greatest protection against coronary
heart disease (14 g/1,000 kcal) ×
median energy intake level
(kcal/1,000 kcal/d)
> 70 y Intake level shown to provide the 30 21
greatest protection against coronary
heart disease (14 g/1,000 kcal) ×
median energy intake level
(kcal/1,000 kcal/d)
continued
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8 DIETARY REFERENCE INTAKES
TABLE S-3 Continued
AIa (g/d)
Life Stage Group Criterion Male Female
Pregnancy
14 through 18 y Intake level shown to provide the 28
greatest protection against coronary
heart disease (14 g/1,000 kcal) ×
median energy intake level
(kcal/1,000 kcal/d)
19 through 50 y Intake level shown to provide the 28
greatest protection against coronary
heart disease (14 g/1,000 kcal) ×
median energy intake level
(kcal/1,000 kcal/d)
Lactation
14 through 18 y Intake level shown to provide the 29
greatest protection against coronary
heart disease (14 g/1,000 kcal) ×
median energy intake level
(kcal/1,000 kcal/d)
19 through 50 y Intake level shown to provide the 29
greatest protection against coronary
heart disease (14 g/1,000 kcal) ×
median energy intake level
(kcal/1,000 kcal/d)
a AI = Adequate Intake. Based on 14 g/1,000 kcal of required energy. The AI is the
observed average or experimentally determined intake by a defined population or sub-
group that appears to sustain a defined nutritional status, such as growth rate, normal
circulating nutrient values, or other functional indicators of health. The AI is used if
sufficient scientific evidence is not available to derive an Estimated Average Require-
ment (EAR). For healthy infants receiving human milk, the AI is the mean intake. The
AI is not equivalent to a Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA).
b ND = not determined.
intake of linoleic acid by different life stage and gender groups in the
United States, where the presence of n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acid defi-
ciency is nonexistent. The AI for linoleic acid is 17 and 12 g/d for men
and women 19 through 50 years of age, respectively (Table S-5). n-3 Poly-
unsaturated fatty acids play an important role as structural membrane lipids,
particularly in nerve tissue and the retina of the eye. These fatty acids also
modulate the metabolism of n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids and thereby
influence the balance of n-6 and n-3 fatty acid-derived eicosanoids. The AI
is based on the median intakes of α-linolenic acid in the United States
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9
S UMMARY
TABLE S-4 Criteria and Dietary Reference Intake Values for
Total Fat by Life Stage Group
AIa (g/d)
Life Stage Group Criterion Male Female
0 through 6 mo Average consumption of total fat from 31 31
human milk
7 through 12 mo Average consumption of total fat from 30 30
human milk and complementary foods
NDb
1 through 3y ND
4 through 8y ND ND
9 through 13 y ND ND
14 through 18 y ND ND
> 18 y ND ND
Pregnancy ND ND
14 through 18 y ND ND
19 through 50 y ND ND
Lactation ND ND
14 through 18 y ND ND
19 through 50 y ND ND
a AI = Adequate Intake: the observed average or experimentally determined intake by a
defined population or subgroup that appears to sustain a defined nutritional status,
such as growth rate, normal circulating nutrient values, or other functional indicators
of health. The AI is used if sufficient scientific evidence is not available to derive an
Estimated Average Requirement (EAR). For healthy infants receiving human milk, the
AI is the mean intake. The AI is not equivalent to a Recommended Dietary Allowance
(RDA).
b ND = not determined.
where the presence of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid deficiency is non-
existent. The AI for α-linolenic acid is 1.6 and 1.1 g/d for men and women,
respectively (Table S-6). Eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid
contribute approximately 10 percent of the total n-3 fatty acid intake and
therefore this percent contributes toward the AI for α-linolenic acid.
Proteins form the major structural components of all the cells of the
body. Along with amino acids, they function as enzymes, membrane carriers,
and hormones. The RDA for both men and women is 0.8 g/kg of body
weight/d of protein and is based on meta-analysis of nitrogen balance
studies (Table S-7). Amino acids are dietary components of protein; nine
amino acids are considered indispensable and thus dietary sources must
be provided. The relative ratio of indispensable amino acids in a food
protein and its digestibility determines the quality of the dietary protein
(see Table S-8).
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10 DIETARY REFERENCE INTAKES
TABLE S-5 Criteria and Dietary Reference Intake Values for
n-6 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids (Linoleic Acid) by Life Stage
Group
AI (g/d)a
Life Stage Group Criterion Male Female
0 through 6 mo Average consumption of total n-6 fatty 4.4 4.4
acids from human milk
7 through 12 mo Average consumption of total n-6 fatty 4.6 4.6
acids from human milk and
complementary foods
Median intake of linoleic acid from CSFIIb
1 through 3y 7 7
4 through 8y Median intake of linoleic acid from CSFII 10 10
9 through 13 y Median intake of linoleic acid from CSFII 12 10
14 through 18 y Median intake of linoleic acid from CSFII 16 11
19 through 30 y Median intake of linoleic acid from CSFII 17 12
31 through 50 y Median intake of linoleic acid from CSFII 17 12
for 19 to 30 y group
51 through 70 y Median intake of linoleic acid from CSFII 14 11
> 70 y Median intake of linoleic acid from CSFII 14 11
for 51 through 70 y group
Pregnancy
14 through 18 y Median intake of linoleic acid from CSFII 13
for all pregnant women
19 through 50 y Median intake of linoleic acid from CSFII 13
for all pregnant women
Lactation
14 through 18 y Median intake of linoleic acid from CSFII 13
for all lactating women
19 through 50 y Median intake of linoleic acid from CSFII 13
for all lactating women
a AI = Adequate Intake: the observed average or experimentally determined intake by a
defined population or subgroup that appears to sustain a defined nutritional status,
such as growth rate, normal circulating nutrient values, or other functional indicators
of health. The AI is used if sufficient scientific evidence is not available to derive an
Estimated Average Requirement (EAR). For healthy infants receiving human milk, the
AI is the mean intake. The AI is not equivalent to a Recommended Dietary Allowance
(RDA).
b CSFII = Continuing Survey of Food Intake by Individuals.
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11
S UMMARY
TABLE S-6 Criteria and Dietary Reference Intake Values for
n-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids (α-Linolenic Acid) by Life
Stage Group
AIa (g/d)
Life Stage Group Criterion Male Female
0 through 6 mo Average consumption of total n -3 fatty 0.5 0.5
acids from human milk
7 through 12 mo Average consumption of total n -3 fatty 0.5 0.5
acids from human milk and
complementary foods
Median intake of α-linolenic acid from
1 through 3 y 0.7 0.7
CSFIIb
Median intake of α-linolenic acid from
4 through 8 y 0.9 0.9
CSFII
Median intake of α-linolenic acid from
9 through 13 y 1.2 1.0
CSFII
Median intake of α-linolenic acid from
14 through 18 y 1.6 1.1
CSFII
Highest median intake of α -linolenic acid
19 through 30 y 1.6 1.1
from CSFII for all adult age groups
Highest median intake of α -linolenic acid
31 through 50 y 1.6 1.1
from CSFII for all adult age groups
Highest median intake of α -linolenic acid
51 through 70 y 1.6 1.1
from CSFII for all adult age groups
Highest median intake of α -linolenic acid
> 70 y 1.6 1.1
from CSFII for all adult age groups
Pregnancy
Median intake of α-linolenic acid from
14 through 18 y 1.4
CSFII for all pregnant women
Median intake of α-linolenic acid from
19 through 50 y 1.4
CSFII for all pregnant women
Lactation
Median intake of α-linolenic acid from
14 through 18 y 1.3
CSFII for all lactating women
Median intake of α-linolenic acid from
19 through 50 y 1.3
CSFII for all lactating women
a AI = Adequate Intake: the observed average or experimentally determined intake by a
defined population or subgroup that appears to sustain a defined nutritional status,
such as growth rate, normal circulating nutrient values, or other functional indicators
of health. The AI is used if sufficient scientific evidence is not available to derive an
Estimated Average Requirement (EAR). For healthy infants receiving human milk, the
AI is the mean intake. The AI is not equivalent to a Recommended Dietary Allowance
(RDA).
b CSFII = Continuing Survey of Food Intake by Individuals.
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12 DIETARY REFERENCE INTAKES
TABLE S-7 Criteria and Dietary Reference Intake Values for
Protein by Life Stage Group
Life Stage Group Criterion
0 through 6 mo Average consumption of protein from human milk
7 through 12 mo Nitrogen equilibrium plus protein deposition
1 through 3 y Nitrogen equilibrium plus protein deposition
4 through 8 y Nitrogen equilibrium plus protein deposition
9 through 13 y Nitrogen equilibrium plus protein deposition
14 through 18 y Nitrogen equilibrium plus protein deposition
> 18 y Nitrogen equilibrium
Pregnancy
14 through 18 y Nitrogen equilibrium plus protein deposition
19 through 50 y Nitrogen equilibrium plus protein deposition
Lactation
14 through 18 y Nitrogen equilibrium plus milk nitrogen
19 through 50 y Nitrogen equilibrium plus milk nitrogen
a AI = Adequate Intake, RDA = Recommended Dietary Allowance. The AI is the observed
average or experimentally determined intake by a defined population or subgroup that
appears to sustain a defined nutritional status, such as growth rate, normal circulating
nutrient values, or other functional indicators of health. It is used if sufficient scientific
evidence is not available to derive an EAR. For healthy infants receiving human milk, the
AI is the mean intake. The AI is not equivalent to an RDA. The RDA is the intake that
meets the nutrient need of almost all (97–98 percent) individuals in a group.
b EAR = Estimated Average Requirement. The intake that meets the estimated nutrient
needs of half the individuals in a group.
CRITERIA AND PROPOSED VALUES FOR TOLERABLE
UPPER INTAKE LEVELS
A risk assessment model is used to derive Tolerable Upper Intake Levels
(ULs). The model consists of a systematic series of scientific consider-
ations and judgments. The hallmark of the risk assessment model is the
requirement to be explicit in all of the evaluations and judgments made.
There were insufficient data to use the model of risk assessment to set
a UL for total fat, monounsaturated fatty acids, n-6 and n-3 polyunsaturated
fatty acids, protein, or amino acids. While increased serum low density
lipoprotein cholesterol concentrations, and therefore risk of coronary
heart disease, may increase at high intakes of saturated fatty acids, trans
fatty acids, or cholesterol, a UL is not set for these fats because the level at
which risk begins to increase is very low and cannot be achieved by usual
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13
S UMMARY
AI or RDA for
Reference Individuala
EARb (g/kg/d) AI
(g/d) RDA (g/kg/d)
AI
(g/kg/d)c
Males Females Males Females Males Females
9.1 (AI) 9.1 (AI) 1.52
11.0 11.0 1.0 1.0 1.2 1.2
13 13 0.87 0.87 1.05 1.05
19 19 0.76 0.76 0.95 0.95
34 34 0.76 0.76 0.95 0.95
52 46 0.73 0.71 0.85 0.85
56 46 0.66 0.66 0.80 0.80
71c 0.88 1.1
71 0.88 1.1
71 1.05 1.3
71 1.05 1.3
c The EAR and RDA for pregnancy are only for the second half of pregnancy. For the
first half of pregnancy, the protein requirements are the same as those of the non-
pregnant woman.
NOTE: Due to a calculation error in the prepublication copy, values are changed for:
RDA for reference infants 7 through 12 mo from 13.5 g/d to 11.0 g/d; EAR for infants
7 through 12 mo from 1.1 g/kg/d to 1.0 g/kg/d; RDA for infants 7 through 12 mo
from 1.5 g/kg/d to 1.2 g/kg/d; EAR for children 1 through 3 y from 0.88 g/kg/d to
0.87 g/kg/d; RDA for children 1 through 3 y from 1.10 g/kg/d to 1.05 g/kg/d; RDA
for lactating women from 1.1 g/kg/d to 1.3 g/kg/d.
diets and still have adequate intakes of all other required nutrients. It is
thus recommended that saturated fatty acid, trans fatty acid, and cholesterol
consumption be as low as possible while consuming a nutritionally ade-
quate diet. Although there were insufficient data to set a UL for added
sugars, a maximal intake level of 25 percent or less of energy is suggested
to prevent the displacement of foods that are major sources of essential
micronutrients (see Chapter 11).
Although a specific UL was not set for any of the macronutrients, the
absence of definitive data does not signify that people can tolerate chronic
intakes of these substances at high levels. Like all chemical agents, nutri-
ents and other food components can produce adverse effects if intakes are
excessive. Therefore, when data are extremely limited or conflicting, extra
caution may be warranted in consuming levels significantly above that
found in typical food-based diets.
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14 DIETARY REFERENCE INTAKES
TABLE S-8 FNB/IOM Protein Quality Scoring
Pattern (mg/g protein)
Recommended
FNB/IOM Patterna
Indispensable Amino Acid
Histidine 18
Isoleucine 25
Leucine 55
Lysine 51
Methionine + cysteine 25
Phenylalanine + tyrosine 47
Threonine 27
Tryptophan 7
Valine 32
a Based on Estimated Average Requirements for 1- to 3-year-old children
for both indispensable amino acids and total protein.
ACCEPTABLE MACRONUTRIENT DISTRIBUTION
RANGES FOR HEALTHY DIETS
Dietary Reference Intakes have been set for carbohydrate, n-6 and n-3
polyunsaturated fatty acids, protein, and amino acids based on controlled
studies in which the actual amount of nutrient provided or utilized is
known, or based on median intakes from national survey data. A growing
body of evidence has shown that macronutrients, particularly fats and car-
bohydrate, play a role in the risk of chronic diseases.
Although various guidelines have been established that suggest a
maximal intake level of fat and fatty acids (e.g., American Heart Associa-
tion [Krauss et al., 1996], Dietary Guidelines for Americans [USDA/HHS,
2000]), the scientific evidence suggests that individuals can consume mod-
erate levels without risk of adverse health effects, while increased risk may
occur with the chronic consumption of diets that are too low or too high
in these macronutrients. Much of this evidence is based on clinical end-
points (e.g., risk of coronary heart disease (CHD), diabetes, cancer, and
obesity), which are associations rather than distinct endpoints. Further-
more, because there may be factors other than diet that may contribute to
chronic diseases, it is not possible to determine a defined level of intake at
which chronic diseases may be prevented or may develop.
Based on the evidence to suggest a role in chronic diseases, as well as
information to ensure sufficient intakes of essential nutrients, Acceptable
Macronutrient Distribution Ranges (AMDR) have been estimated for indi-
viduals (see Chapter 11). An AMDR is defined as a range of intakes for a
particular energy source that is associated with reduced risk of chronic
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diseases while providing adequate intakes of essential nutrients. The AMDR
is expressed as a percentage of total energy intake because its require-
ment, in a classical sense, is not independent of other energy fuel sources
or of the total energy requirement of the individual. Each must be
expressed in terms relative to each other. A key feature of each AMDR is
that it has a lower and upper boundary, some determined mainly by the
lowest or highest value judged to have an expected impact on health. If an
individual consumes below or above this range, there is a potential for
increasing the risk of chronic diseases shown to affect long-term health, as
well as increasing the risk of insufficient intakes of essential nutrients.
When fat intakes are low and carbohydrate intakes are high, interven-
tion studies, with the support of epidemiological studies, demonstrate a
reduction in plasma high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol concen-
tration, an increase in the plasma total cholesterol:HDL cholesterol ratio,
and an increase in plasma triacylglycerol concentration, all consistent with
an increased risk of CHD. Conversely, interventional studies show that
when fat intakes are high, many individuals gain additional weight. Weight
gain on high fat diets can be detrimental to individuals already susceptible
to obesity and will worsen the metabolic consequences of obesity, particu-
larly risk of CHD. Moreover, high fat diets are usually accompanied by
increased intakes of saturated fatty acids, which can raise plasma low den-
sity lipoprotein cholesterol concentrations and further heighten risk for
CHD. Based on the apparent risk for CHD that may occur on both low and
high fat diets, and the increased risk for CHD at higher carbohydrate
intakes, an AMDR for fat and carbohydrate is estimated to be 20 to 35 and
45 to 65 percent of energy, respectively, for all adults. By consuming fat
and carbohydrate within these ranges, the risk for CHD, as well as obesity
and diabetes, may be kept at a minimum. Furthermore, these ranges allow
for sufficient intakes of essential nutrients, while keeping the intake of
saturated fat at moderate levels. To complement these ranges, the AMDR
for protein is 10 to 35 percent of energy.
Based on usual median intakes of energy, it is estimated that a lower
boundary level of 5 percent of energy will meet the Adequate Intake (AI)
for linoleic acid (Chapter 8). An upper boundary for linoleic acid is set at
10 percent of energy for three reasons: (1) individual dietary intakes of
linoleic acid in the North American population rarely exceed 10 percent
of energy, (2) epidemiological evidence for safety of intakes greater than
10 percent of energy are generally lacking, and (3) high intakes of linoleic
acid create a pro-oxidant state that may predispose to several chronic dis-
eases, such as CHD and cancer. Therefore, an AMDR of 5 to 10 percent of
energy is suggested for linoleic acid.
The AMDR for α-linolenic acid is set at 0.6 to 1.2 percent of energy.
Ten percent of this range can be consumed as eicosapentaenoic acid
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16 DIETARY REFERENCE INTAKES
(EPA) and/or docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). The lower boundary of the
range meets the AI for α-linolenic acid (Chapter 8). The upper boundary
corresponds to the highest intakes from foods consumed by individuals in
the United States and Canada. A growing body of literature suggests that
diets higher in α-linolenic acid, EPA, and DHA may afford some degree of
protection against CHD. Because the physiological potency of EPA and
DHA is much greater than that for α-linolenic acid, it is not possible to
estimate one AMDR for all n-3 fatty acids.
No more than 25 percent of energy from added sugars should be
consumed. This maximal intake level is based on ensuring sufficient
intakes of essential micronutrients that are, for the most part, present in
relatively low amounts in foods and beverages that are major sources of
added sugars in North American diets.
USING DIETARY REFERENCE INTAKES TO ASSESS
NUTRIENT INTAKES OF GROUPS
Suggested uses of Dietary Reference Intakes (DRIs) appear in Box S-2.
The transition from using previously published Recommended Dietary
Allowances (RDAs) and Reference Nutrient Intakes (RNIs) to using each
of the DRIs appropriately will require time and effort by health professionals
and others.
For statistical reasons that are addressed briefly in Chapter 13 and in
more detail in the report Dietary Reference Intakes: Applications in Dietary
Assessment (IOM, 2000), the Estimated Average Requirement (EAR) is the
appropriate reference intake to use in assessing the nutrient intake of
groups, whereas the RDA is not. When assessing nutrient intakes of groups,
it is important to consider the variation in intake in the same individuals
from day to day, as well as underreporting. With these considerations, the
prevalence of inadequacy for a given nutrient may be estimated by using
national survey data and determining the percentage of the population
below the EAR (see Chapter 13).
Assuming a normal distribution of requirements, the percentage of
surveyed individuals whose intake is less than the EAR equals the percent-
age of individuals whose diets are considered inadequate based on the
criteria of inadequacy chosen to determine the requirement. For example,
intake data from the Continuing Survey of Food Intakes by Individuals
(1994–1996, 1998), which collected 24-hour diet recalls for 1 or 2 days,
indicate that:
• Less than 5 percent of adults at that time consumed dietary carbo-
hydrate at a level less than the EAR.
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BOX S-2
Uses of Dietary Reference Intakes for Healthy Individuals and Groups
For an Individuala For a Groupb
Type of Use
Assessment EAR: use to examine the EAR: use to estimate the prevalence
probability that usual intake of inadequate intakes within a
is inadequate. group.
EERd: use to examine the EER: use to estimate the prevalence
probability that usual energy of inadequate energy intakes within
intake is inadequate. a group.
RDA: usual intake at or RDA: do not use to assess intakes of
above this level has a low groups.
probability of inadequacy.
AIc : usual intake at or above AIc : mean usual intake at or above
this level has a low probabil- this level implies a low prevalence of
ity of inadequacy. inadequate intakes.
UL: usual intake above this UL: use to estimate the percentage
level may place an individual of the population at potential risk of
at risk of adverse effects adverse effects from excess nutrient
from excessive nutrient intake.
intake.
Planning RDA: aim for this intake. EAR: use to plan an intake distribu-
tion with a low prevalence of
inadequate intakes.
EER: use to plan an energy intake
distribution with a low prevalence of
inadequate intakes.
AIc : aim for this intake. AIc : use to plan mean intakes.
UL: use as a guide to limit UL: use to plan intake distributions
intake; chronic intake of with a low prevalence of intakes
higher amounts may in- potentially at risk of adverse effects.
crease the potential risk of
adverse effects.
RDA = Recommended Dietary Allowance
EER = Estimated Energy Requirement
EAR = Estimated Average Requirement
AI = Adequate Intake
UL = Tolerable Upper Level
a Evaluation of true status requires clinical, biochemical, and anthropometric data.
b Requires statistically valid approximation of distribution of usual intakes.
c For the nutrients in this report, AIs are set for infants for all nutrients, and for other age
groups for fiber and n-6 and n-3 fatty acids. The AI may be used as a guide for infants as it
reflects the average intake from human milk. Infants consuming formulas with the same
nutrient composition as human milk are consuming an adequate amount after adjustments
are made for differences in bioavailability. When the AI for a nutrient is not based on mean
intakes of healthy populations, this assessment is made with less confidence.
d The EER may be used as the EAR for these applications.
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18 DIETARY REFERENCE INTAKES
• Less than 5 percent of children and adults consumed protein at
levels less than the EAR.
• Less than 5 percent of adults consumed Dietary Fiber at levels greater
than the AI.
RESEARCH RECOMMENDATIONS
Four major types of information gaps were noted: (1) a lack of data
designed specifically to estimate average requirements for fiber and fat in
presumably healthy humans, (2) a lack of data on the needs of macro-
nutrients of infants, children, adolescents, the elderly, and pregnant
women, (3) a lack of multidose, long-term studies to determine the role of
specific macronutrients in reducing the risk of certain chronic diseases,
and (4) a lack of studies designed to detect adverse effects of chronic high
intakes of specific macronutrients.
Highest priority is thus given to studies that address the following
research topics:
• long-term, dose–response studies to help identify the requirement
of individual macronutrients that are essential in the diet (e.g., essential
amino acids and n-6 and n-3 polyunsaturated fats) for all life stage and
gender groups. It is recognized that it is not possible to identify a defined
intake level of fat for maintaining health and decreasing risk of disease;
however, it is recognized that further information is needed to identify
acceptable ranges of intake for fat, as well as for protein and carbohydrate
that are based on prevention of chronic diseases and maintaining health;
• studies to further understand the beneficial roles of Dietary and
Functional Fibers in human health;
• studies during pregnancy designed to determine protein and energy
needs;
• information on the form, frequency, intensity, and duration of
exercise and physical activity that is successful in managing body weight in
both children and adults;
• long-term studies on the role of glycemic response in preventing
chronic diseases, such as diabetes and coronary heart disease, in healthy
individuals, and;
• studies to investigate the levels at which adverse effects occur with
chronic high intakes of specific macronutrients. For some nutrients, such
as saturated fat and cholesterol, biochemical indicators of adverse effects
can occur at very low intakes. Thus, more information is needed to ascer-
tain defined levels of intakes at which onset of relevant health risks (e.g.,
obesity, coronary heart disease, and diabetes) occur.
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REFERENCES
IOM (Institute of Medicine). 2000. Dietary Reference Intakes: Applications in Dietary
Assessment. Washington, DC: National Academy Press.
Krauss RM, Deckelbaum RJ, Ernst N, Fisher E, Howard BV, Knopp RH, Kotchen T,
Lichtenstein AH, McGill HC, Pearson TA, Prewitt TE, Stone NJ, Horn LV,
Weinberg R. 1996. Dietary guidelines for healthy American adults. A state-
ment for health professionals from the Nutrition Committee, American Heart
Association. Circulation 94:1795–1800.
USDA/HHS (U.S. Department of Agriculture/Department of Health and Human
Services). 2000. Nutrition and Your Health: Dietary Guidelines for Americans. Home
and Garden Bulletin No. 232. Washington, DC: U.S. Government Printing
Office.
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