GSs

Question 1

Understand the 4 COMA definitions in the UK Dietary Reference Values.

Answer 1

Safe intake
Estimated Average Requirement (EAR)
Reference Nutrient Intake (RNI
Lower Reference Nutrient Intake (LRNI)

Question 2

What is an RNI?

Answer 2

Reference Nutrient Intake (RNI)
The RNI is the amount of a nutrient that is enough to ensure that the needs of nearly all the group (97.5%) are being met. By definition, many within the group will need less.

Question 3

Be aware that the EAR is used in particular for energy. What is EAR?

Answer 3

Estimated Average Requirement
This is an estimate of the average requirement for energy or a nutrient. For a group of people receiving adequate amounts, the range of intakes will vary around the EAR.

Question 4

What is the LRNI?

Answer 4

Lower Reference Nutrient Intake.
The amount of a nutrient that is enough for only the small number of people who have low requirements (2.5%). The majority need more.

Question 5

What is safe intake?

Answer 5

This is used where there is insufficient evidence to set an EAR, RNI or LRNI. The safe intake is the amount judged to be a level or range of intake at which there is no risk of deficiency and is below the level where there is a risk of undesirable effects. There is no evidence that intakes above this level have any benefits - and in some instances they could have toxic effects.