Test Your Knowledge on Nutrients

Nutrients, Dietary Reference Intakes, and Energy Requirements in Humans

• Nutrients are essential components of food that sustain normal body functions.
• Macronutrients (carbohydrates, proteins, fats) provide energy, while micronutrients (vitamins, minerals) are required in small amounts for bodily processes.
• Dietary Reference Intakes (DRI) are estimates of nutrient amounts needed for optimal health and growth.
• EAR is the daily intake level estimated to meet the needs of half of healthy individuals in a specific group.
• RDA is the daily intake level sufficient to meet the needs of almost all individuals in a specific group.
• AI is used when scientific evidence is insufficient to calculate EAR or RDA.
• UL is the highest average daily nutrient intake level that poses no risk of adverse health effects.
• Estimated Energy Requirement (EER) is the average dietary energy intake to maintain energy balance in a healthy adult.
• Carbohydrates provide 4 kcal/g, proteins provide 4 kcal/g, fats provide 9 kcal/g, and alcohol provides 7 kcal/g.
• Energy is used for basal metabolic rate, thermic effect of food, and physical activity, which collectively make up total energy expenditure (TEE).
• BMR is the energy required for normal body functions and is affected by factors such as surface area, sex, age, physical activity, hormones, environment, and disease states.
• Activity level affects energy required for physical activity, with sedentary, moderate, and active levels requiring 30%, 40%, and 50% of BMR, respectively. Energy requirements also vary by age.