Reference Daily Intake

About: Reference Daily Intake is a research topic. Over the lifetime, 1564 publications have been published within this topic receiving 52794 citations.

Nutrient intakes of children aged 1-2 years as a function of milk consumption, cows' milk or growing-up milk.

Abstract: OBJECTIVE To evaluate the nutritional adequacy of diets in early childhood as a function of milk intake, cows' milk (CM) or growing-up milk (GUM). DESIGN From a cross-sectional food consumption survey, two groups of children aged 1-2 years were defined: group CM fed exclusively on CM ≥ 250 ml/d and group GUM fed on GUM ≥ 250 ml/d. Proportions of children at risk of nutrient excess or insufficiency were estimated relative to the French recommended daily allowances, estimated average requirements or adequate intakes. SETTING Parents participating in the survey were recruited from all regions of France by a polling organization. Distribution was adjusted to that of the French population. SUBJECTS Sixty-three (group CM) and fifty-five (group GUM) children. RESULTS Total energy and macronutrient intakes were similar in the two groups except protein intake of group CM, which was much higher than the Recommended Daily Allowance and significantly higher than in group GUM. A high percentage of children of Group CM had intake of linoleic acid (51%) and α-linolenic acid (84%) below the lower limit of the adequate intake, and intake of Fe (59%) vitamin C (49%) and alimentary vitamin D (100%) less than the Estimated Average Requirement. Significant differences were observed in the proportions of children with a risk of dietary inadequacy between the two groups for all the mentioned nutrients (P < 0.001). In group GUM, this imbalance was only observed for vitamin D. Intake of foods other than milk and dairy products could not account for these discrepancies. CONCLUSIONS Consumption of CM (≥250 ml/d) entails the risk of insufficiency in α-linolenic acid, Fe, vitamin C and vitamin D. Use of GUM (≥250 ml/d) significantly reduces the risk of insufficiencies in the mentioned nutrients.

Seasonal variation in dietary intake of the adult population of dikgale

Abstract: Objectives. To investigate the dietary intake of an adult population in a rural area of the Northern Province and to determine whether dietary intake is influenced by seasonal change. Design. Cross-sectional survey. Methods. A random sample (N = 210) of adults aged 20 years and older, were interviewed in Dikgale in their homes during the winter (June) of 1997 and the summer (February) of 1998. The repeated 24-hour recall method was used to obtain dietary information from the participants (four interviews per person). Results. With the exception of protein, iron, phosphorus and vitamin B 12 , mean intakes of the subjects were lower than the recommended daily allowances (RDAs). Intakes of energy, calcium, zinc, vitamin B 6 , folic acid, vitamin A and vitamin C were particularly low. Women had higher mean intakes of most nutrients in summer, whereas there was little difference between the seasons for men. The most commonly consumed foods were maize, brown bread, sugar, morogo and chicken. Tea, sorghum beer and colddrink were the most popular beverages. The dietary intake of the Dikgale adults reflects the typical rural African diet which conforms more closely with the prudent diet than that of the typical Western diet. The diet was found to be high in carbohydrate and fibre and low in fat and cholesterol. Unfortunately the low energy and low micronutrient intakes place the Dikgale adults at risk of nutritional deficiencies. Conclusions. Women had significantly higher intakes (P < 0.05) of energy, protein, fat, fibre, zinc and B vitamins in summer. Men only had a significantly higher intake of thiamin in summer. Mean intakes of energy and most nutrients were inadequate in both males and females.

Optimization of Nutrition: Polyphenols and Vascular Protection

Abstract: The role of polyphenols in human nutrition is discussed on the basis of their redox chemistry, which accounts for the observed antioxidant effect and in turn for their protective effect against atherosclerosis. Epidemiologic data, together with experimental pathology and cell biology, support the recommendation that optimal nutrition should contain polyphenols in amounts that may better described as a “Recommended Optimal Intake” (ROI) than as a “Recommended Dietary Allowance” (RDA). Because a valid procedure to identify polyphenols in plasma is not available, analysis of plasma antioxidant capacity is instead suggested as a suitable index to define the optimal nutritional intake.