Question

which statement accurately describes the estimated average requirements (ear) and recommended dietary allowances (rda)?
o a. if people consumed the ear of a given nutrient daily, half would develop a deficiency.
o b. the rda is probably closer than the ear to meeting everyones needs.
o c. the ear is set to be greater than the rda.
o d. small amounts of intake greater than the daily requirements are likely to be harmful.

Explanation:

• Option a: The Estimated Average Requirement (EAR) is the intake at which the probability of inadequacy is 0.5 (50%). So, if people consumed the EAR of a given nutrient daily, half would develop a deficiency. This is a correct statement about EAR.
• Option b: The Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) is set to meet the needs of nearly all (97 - 98%) healthy individuals. It is greater than the EAR (not closer). So, this statement is incorrect.
• Option c: As mentioned above, RDA is greater than EAR (not the other way around). So, this statement is incorrect.
• Option d: Small amounts of intake greater than the daily requirements (up to a point, within the Tolerable Upper Intake Level - UL) are not likely to be harmful. This statement is incorrect.

Answer:

a. If people consumed the EAR of a given nutrient daily, half would develop a deficiency.