Page 9

·      Although RDAs are most appropriately applied to groups, a comparison of individual intakes, averaged over a sufficient length of time, to the RDA allows an estimate to be made about the probable risk of deficiency for that individual.

The subcommittee reemphasizes that RDAs can typically be met or closely approximated by diets that are based on the consumption of a variety of foods from diverse food groups that contain adequate energy. Such diets are entirely consistent with the type of dietary patterns advocated in the Food and Nutrition Board's report entitled Diet and Health to promote health and reduce risks of developing major chronic diseases. Together, the RDAs and the Diet and Health recommendations should be considered the appropriate basis for diet planning.