1. Dietary Reference Values (DRVs)
The distribution of nutrient requirements within a population.

2. Learning objectives
To know about the development of Dietary Reference Values.
To understand Estimated Average Reference (EAR) values.
To understand Reference Nutrient Intake (RNI) values.
To understand Lower Reference Nutrient Intake (LRNI) values.

3. Nutritional Requirements
In 1991, a committee of experts researched and set the Dietary Reference Values (DRVs).
DRVs are a series of estimates of the amount of energy and nutrients needed by different groups of healthy people in the UK population.

4. Nutritional Requirements
It is important to recognise that individual nutritional needs vary widely. These figures are based on population groups, not individuals.
The Reference Nutrient Intake (RNI) is the amount of a nutrient that is enough to ensure that the needs of nearly all the population (97.5%) are being met.

5. Reference Nutrient Intake
The distribution of nutrient requirements within a population.
Number of people
RNI
Requirements

6. RNI for calcium Children Vitamin A μg/day 0-3 months 350 4-6 months
1-3 years
400
4-6 years
500
7-10 years
Males
Vitamin A
μg/day
11-14 years
600
15-18 years
700
19-50 years
50 +
Females
Vitamin A
μg/day
11-14 years
600
15-18 years
19-50 years
50+ years
Pregnancy
+100
Lactation
+350

7. Nutritional Requirements
The Estimated Average Requirement (EARs) is an estimate of the average requirement for energy, for a nutrient. Approximately 50% of the population will need less energy or the nutrient and 50% of the population will need more.

8. Estimated Average Requirement
The distribution of nutrient requirements within a population.
Number of people
EAR
Requirements

9. EAR for energy Children Boys MJ/day Girls 0-3 months 2.28 2.16
2.89
2.69
7-9 months
3.44
3.20
10-12 months
3.85
3.61
1-3 years
5.15
4.86
4-6 years
7.16
6.46
7-10 years
8.24
7.28

10. EAR for energy Females MJ/day 11-14 years 7.72 15-18 years 8.83
8.10
51-59 years
8.00
60-64 years
7.99
65-74 years
7.96
75+ years
7.61
Males
MJ/day
11-14 years
9.27
15-18 years
11.51
19-50 years
10.60
51-59 years
60-64 years
9.93
65-74 years
9.71
75+ years
8.77
Pregnancy
MJ/day
(0-3 months only)
+0.8
Lactation
(0-1 month)
+1.9
(0-2 months)
+2.2
(2-3 months)
+2.4
Group 1
(4-6 months)
+2.0
(6+ months)
+1.0
Group 2
+2.3

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

12. Lower Reference Nutrient Intake
The distribution of nutrient requirements within a population.
Number of people
LRNI
Requirements

13. Dietary Reference Values
DRVs are important for ensuring adequate intakes of energy and nutrients occurs throughout life.
Many health concerns and illnesses are linked to malnutrition.
The DRVs assist in preventing malnutrition.

14. Dietary Reference Values
In summary:
EAR is used for energy.
RNI is often used as a reference amount for population groups.
LRNI is a useful measure of nutritional inadequacy.

15. Review of the learning objectives
To know about the development of Dietary Reference Values
To understand Estimated Average Reference (EAR) values.
To understand Reference Nutrient Intake (RNI) values.
To understand Lower Reference Nutrient Intake (LRNI) values.

16. Activity Using the information sheet answer the following questions:
How much protein does a 17 year old boy need?
How much protein does a 17 year old girl need?
Can you explain why a boy needs more protein?
Can you explain why pregnant women need extra protein?
How many Kcals does a 16 year old boy need
How many Kcals does a 16 year old girl need
Can you explain why there is a difference between these figures for boys and girls?