Nutrient Reference Values (NRV's)

Question 1

EAR

Answer 1

Estimated Average Requirement

A daily nutrient level estimated to meet the requirements of half the healthy individuals in a particular life stage and gender group

Question 2

RDI

Answer 2

Recommended Dietary Intake

The average daily dietary intake level that is sufficient to meet the nutrient requirements of nearly all (97–98 per cent) healthy individuals in a particular life stage and gender group

Question 3

AI

Answer 3

Adequate Intake (when RDI cannot be determined)

The average daily nutrient intake level based on observed or experimentally-determined approximations or estimates of nutrient intake by a group of apparently healthy people that are assumed to be adequate.

Question 4

EER

Answer 4

Estimated Energy Requirement

The average dietary energy intake that is predicted to maintain energy balance in a healthy adult of 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.

Question 5

UL

Answer 5

Upper Level of Intake

The highest average daily nutrient intake level likely to pose no adverse health effects to almost all individuals in the general population. As intake increases above the UL, the potential risk of adverse effects increases