Components of the DRI

Full Answer Section

      How RDA, AI, and UL Influence Health RDAs, AIs, and ULs are important for maintaining good health. Consuming nutrients at levels below the RDA or AI can lead to nutrient deficiencies, which can cause a variety of health problems. Consuming nutrients at levels above the UL can lead to nutrient toxicities, which can also cause a variety of health problems. For example, iron deficiency can lead to anemia, fatigue, and shortness of breath. Vitamin A deficiency can lead to night blindness, dry eyes, and skin problems. Vitamin C deficiency can lead to scurvy, which can cause bleeding gums, fatigue, and joint pain. Iron toxicity can lead to nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Vitamin A toxicity can lead to headaches, nausea, and vomiting. Vitamin C toxicity can lead to diarrhea, kidney stones, and stomach upset. Review of DRI Results To review your DRI results, you can use the Interactive DRI Tool from the National Institutes of Health (NIH). This tool allows you to enter your age, sex, height, weight, and activity level to determine your individual nutrient needs. Once you have entered your information, the tool will generate a report that shows you how your current intake of each nutrient compares to the RDA, AI, and UL. The report will also highlight any nutrients that you are overconsuming or underconsuming. Changes to Improve If your DRI results show that you are overconsuming or underconsuming any nutrients, you can make changes to your diet to improve your nutrient intake. Here are two examples:

• If you are overconsuming calories, you can reduce your intake by eating smaller portions and choosing healthier foods.
• If you are underconsuming fiber, you can increase your intake by eating more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.

In addition to making changes to your diet, you may also want to consider talking to a registered dietitian or other qualified healthcare professional. They can provide you with personalized advice on how to meet your nutrient needs and improve your overall health. Conclusion The DRIs are important tools for maintaining good health. By understanding the RDAs, AIs, and ULs, you can make informed choices about your diet and ensure that you are getting the nutrients you need. If your DRI results show that you are overconsuming or underconsuming any nutrients, you can make changes to your diet to improve your nutrient intake and improve your overall health.  

Sample Answer

   

• Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA): The average daily level of intake sufficient to meet the nutrient requirements of nearly all (97-98%) healthy individuals in a particular life stage and gender group.
• Adequate Intake (AI): The average daily level of intake that is assumed to be adequate to meet the nutrient requirements of all healthy individuals in a particular life stage and gender group. AIs are set for nutrients when there is insufficient evidence to develop an RDA.