Question

which statement accurately describes what it means if a persons intake of a nutrient falls between the recommended dietary allowance (rda) and the estimated average requirement (ear)?
o a. the intake is probably excessive and the possibility of toxicity is likely.
o b. the intake is probably adequate.
o c. the intake may be adequate, but the chances are greater or equal that it is inadequate.
o d. the intake is probably inadequate and the possibility of deficiency likely.

Explanation:

• Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA): It is the average daily dietary intake level that is sufficient to meet the nutrient requirement of nearly all (97 - 98%) healthy individuals in a particular life - stage and gender group.
• Estimated Average Requirement (EAR): It is the intake at which the probability of inadequacy is 0.5 (50%).
• When intake is between EAR and RDA:
• If intake is above EAR, there is some probability of adequacy. But since it is below RDA (which is set to cover 97 - 98% of the population), the chance of inadequacy is still relatively high.

Answer:

c. The intake may be adequate, but the chances are greater or equal that it is inadequate.