DRIs contain four commonly reported values. Which set is correct?

• A. RDA, AI, UL, and EAR.
• B. EAR, UL, AMDR, and BMI.
• C. RDA, UL, AMDR, and AI.
• D. RDA, AI, AMDR, and EAR.

Answer: (A)

DRIs are reference values used to plan and assess nutrient intakes. Four values are commonly reported for most nutrients: Estimated Average Requirement (EAR), Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA), Adequate Intake (AI), and Tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL). EAR is the daily intake that meets the needs of 50% of healthy people in a group and serves as the basis for deriving the RDA. The RDA is the daily intake sufficient to meet the needs of nearly all healthy individuals (about 97–98%). AI is used when there isn’t enough evidence to establish an EAR and RDA, based on observed or experimental data that are considered adequate. UL is the maximum daily intake unlikely to cause adverse effects for most people. This set is correct because it reflects the standard four values most often reported. Other options include AMDR, a macronutrient distribution range, or BMI, which are not part of the four commonly reported DRIs.