The RDAs for nutrients are set
Multiple Choice
based on the dietary intakes of people who appear to be maintaining nutritional health.
by the FDA for food labeling purposes.
to cover the needs of 97% ?to 98% ?of the population.
based on a person’s height and weight.
The Correct Answer and Explanation is :
The correct answer is: to cover the needs of 97% to 98% of the population.
Explanation:
The Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDAs) for nutrients are set based on scientific research and expert consensus to ensure that individuals get the necessary amount of essential nutrients for optimal health. The RDAs are designed to meet the nutritional needs of most healthy people, specifically targeting 97% to 98% of the population. This approach ensures that the vast majority of people, regardless of age, sex, or physiological condition, can meet their nutritional needs with a balanced diet.
The RDAs are not determined solely by the average or the minimum required intake for health, but rather they are set to cover the needs of the majority of the population, with a margin to accommodate individual variability. This means that while some individuals may require more or less of a nutrient, the RDAs are set at a level that is sufficient for nearly everyone.
The RDAs are updated periodically by the Food and Nutrition Board of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, based on the latest research on nutrition. These values are intended to guide health professionals, dietitians, and individuals in making informed dietary choices to promote long-term health.
It is important to note that the RDAs are not determined by a person’s height and weight, as these factors alone do not directly dictate the nutrient needs of an individual. Instead, the RDAs consider a wide range of factors, including age, sex, activity level, and physiological condition (e.g., pregnancy, lactation). The RDAs are also not set by the FDA for food labeling purposes; the FDA uses other guidelines like the Daily Values (DVs) for food labeling, which differ from RDAs in that they are based on a 2,000-calorie daily diet, providing more general guidelines for consumers.
In summary, the RDAs are carefully established to ensure that the nutritional needs of almost everyone are met, taking into account the variability in nutrient requirements across different individuals.