Nutrient Reference Values

EAR: 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.

For individuals:

Use to examine the probability that usual intake is inadequate

For groups:

Use to estimate the prevalence of inadequate intakes within a group

RDI: 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.

For individuals:

Usual intake at or above this level has a low probability of inadequacy

For groups:

Do not use to assess intakes of groups

AI: Adequate Intake 

(used when an 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 (or groups) of apparently healthy people that are assumed to be adequate.

For individuals:

Usual intake at or above this level has a low probability of inadequacy. When the AI is based on median intakes of healthy populations, this assessment is made with less confidence

For groups:

Mean usual intake at or above this level implies a low prevalence of inadequate intakes. When the AI is based on median intakes of healthy populations, this assessment is made with less confidence

UL: 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.

For individuals:

Usual intake above this level may place an individual at risk of adverse effects from excessive nutrient intake

For groups:

Use to estimate the percentage of the population at potential risk of adverse effects from excessive nutrient intake

AMDR: Acceptable Macronutrient Distribution Range

The AMDR is an estimate of the range of intake for each macronutrient for individuals (expressed as per cent contribution to energy), which would allow for an adequate intake of all the other nutrients whilst maximising general health outcome.

EER: 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.

SDT: Suggested Dietary Target

A daily average intake from food and beverages for certain nutrients that that may help in prevention of chronic disease. Average intake may be based on the mean or median depending on the nutrient and available data.