Question

Module 02 Live Classroom - Dietary Reference Intakes (DRI)

The focus for this live classroom is on Dietary Reference Intakes (DRI). You can review information about DRI at
http://fnic.nal.usda.gov/dietary-guidance/dietary-reference-intakes

Complete the Interactive DRI on yourself. Go to http://fnic.nal.usda.gov/fnic/interactiveDRI/

Be prepared to answer the following questions:

What are the three components of the DRI?

Describe how RDA, AI, and UL influence health?

After reviewing your results on the Interactive DRI, how well are you meeting the RDAs suggested?

What two changes can you make to improve?

Answer 1

What are the three components of the DRI?

The three components of DRI are

• Recommended Dietary Allowance(RDA)
• Adequate Intake(AI)
• Tolerable Upper Intake Level(UL).

Describe how RDA, AI, and UL influence health?

RDA is the recommended daily dietary intake to meet the necessary requirements of a healthy individual. It is the estimated Average requirement to meet the necessary nutrient for a healthy individual of a particular life stage and gender group.

The Average intake is the value of the average intake of a nutrient by a healthy group. AI is used to calculate the Estimated Average Requirement based on information if there is no evidence. For EX: calculating the daily mean nutrient required for an infant who is under breastfeeding.

Tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL) is the daily intake of high-level nutrients common to all populations irrespective of the adverse health effects. If the intake of UL excess, the adverse effects increases. The UL is applicable to the long daily intake of fortified foods and dietary supplements and risks are associated with the total intake.

After reviewing your results on the Interactive DRI, how well are you meeting the RDAs suggested?

After reviewing my results, almost I met the requirements as recommended by RDA. But somedays I lack in the vitamins and some of the minerals due to missing of diet or improper eating. Till now, I concentrate more on the intake of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, But not given much importance to other nutrients. Hereafter, along with macronutrient, I will also follow RDA recommendations to meet all other essential nutrients that are necessary for a healthy life.

What two changes can you make to improve?

• I will avoid sweetened beverages and juice and intake of whole fruit which is more beneficial.
• Include more amount of vegetables and fruits to meet the essential vitamins and minerals instead of packaged foods.