The best definition of the purpose of the Dietary Reference Intakes (DRIs) is
A to provide food in the American market that satisfies nutrient needs of the population.
B to recommend the amounts of energy, nutrients, and other food components that healthy people should consume in order to stay healthy, reduce the risk of chronic disease, and prevent deficiencies.
C to provide nutrients in either food or supplements that satisfies the nutrient needs of the population.
D to insure that all Americans consume a healthy diet.
The correct answer and explanation is:
The correct answer is C: to ensure that food or supplements satisfy the nutrient needs of the population.
The primary goal of the Dietary Reference Intakes (DRIs) is to establish guidelines for nutrient intake that meet the health and nutritional needs of the general population. These guidelines are designed to help prevent both nutrient deficiencies and excesses, which can lead to chronic health problems. The DRIs are used by nutritionists, public health professionals, and policymakers to create dietary recommendations and assess the health of populations.
DRIs include several reference values:
- Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA): The amount of a nutrient that is sufficient to meet the needs of nearly all healthy individuals in a population.
- Adequate Intake (AI): Used when there is not enough evidence to establish an RDA; it reflects an estimate of the amount that is adequate to maintain health.
- Tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL): The maximum daily intake of a nutrient that is unlikely to cause harmful effects.
- Estimated Average Requirement (EAR): The average daily intake level that meets the needs of 50% of healthy individuals in a population.
DRIs do not specifically aim to ensure that all individuals consume a “healthy diet,” but rather that individuals receive adequate amounts of essential nutrients. Additionally, they help in determining if food and supplements can provide the necessary nutrients in a way that prevents both deficiencies and toxicities, allowing for optimal health.
This approach is particularly important for public health efforts, as it helps in identifying areas of concern regarding nutrient intake in different populations, guiding interventions such as fortification of foods or supplementation programs. However, they are not directly concerned with the cultural, economic, or social factors that influence dietary choices or how individuals consume food.