A balanced diet is one that provides adequate amounts of various nutrients to maintain health and well-being. Protein A type of molecule composed of complex chains of amino acids (building blocks of proteins)., carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, minerals and water are all nutrients. Each nutrient An element or compound necessary for normal growth, development, and maintenance of health. Essential nutrients cannot be made by the body and must therefore be consumed from food. has a special function in the human body. The amount of each nutrient needed to maintain an individual’s health is called nutrient requirement. Nutritional needs vary by age and gender. Physical activity level, physiological state (such as pregnancy), eating habits and genetics are also important factors.
Nutrient reference values (DRVs) are a generic term for a set of nutritional reference values that include average need The level of a nutrient in the diet that meets the daily needs of half of the people in a typical healthy population. ( AR The average requirement (AR) is the level of a nutrient in the diet that meets the daily needs of half the people in a typical healthy population.), THE reference intake for the population The intake of a nutrient that can meet the needs of almost all healthy people in a population. ( PRI The intake of a nutrient that can meet the needs of almost all healthy people in a population. This is the reference intake for the population.), THE adequate intake Dietary recommendation used when there is insufficient data to calculate an average requirement. Adequate intake is the average level of nutrients consumed daily by a typical healthy population, assumed to be sufficient to meet their needs. ( AI Adequate Intake (AI) is a dietary recommendation used when there is insufficient data to calculate an average requirement. An AI is the average level of nutrients consumed daily by a typical healthy population, assumed to be sufficient to meet the needs of the population.) and the reference admission The amount of a substance (e.g. a nutrient or chemical) ingested by a person or animal through food. range for macronutrients (RI). These values guide professionals on the amount of a nutrient needed to maintain the health of an otherwise healthy individual or group of people. DRVs also include tolerable upper absorption level The maximum intake of substances contained in food, such as nutrients or contaminants, that can be consumed daily throughout life without adverse health effects. (UL), which is the maximum amount of a nutrient that can be safely consumed over a long period of time.
DRVs are not nutritional goals or recommendations for individuals (see FAQ). They are used by policy makers in the EU and its Member States to issue recommendations on nutritional intake to consumers. DRVs are also used as the basis for information on food labels and to establish dietary guidelines. Such guidelines can help consumers make healthy food choices.
RVDs are intended for healthy people. Those who suffer from illnesses may have different needs. Health professionals provide advice to individuals or groups with specific needs.
