Compare an individual's nutrient intake with Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDA) or Recommended Nutrient Intakes (RNI)

Compare nutrient intakes with RDA or RNI to estimate the percentage of the population at risk of inadequate intake based on percent of RDA or RNI

Compare nutrient intakes—mean, median, and distributions of intake—with RDA or RNI for population subgroups to determine the size and type of populations considered to be at risk of inadequate intake

Compare nutrient intakes with RDA or RNI to assess variations over time in the percentage of the population at risk of inadequate intake based on prevalence below RDA or RNI

Monitor the potential of the food supply to meet the nutritional needs of the population, examine trends, and evaluate changes over time in diets

Compare an individual's nutrient intake with dietary reference standards and identify changes in food consumption patterns that might reduce the risk of inadequate intake

Compare nutrient intakes of population subgroups with dietary reference standards and identify changes in food consumption patterns that might reduce the risk of inadequate intake; identify foods that are important contributors of nutrients

Counsel individuals and educate groups on selecting foods to meet required nutritional standards

Use in developing and revising the U.S. Department of Agriculture 's Dietary Guidelines for Americans and the Food Guide Pyramid, and Canada's Food Guide to Healthy Eating, which provide information on types and amounts of foods that meet nutritional requirements