Adequate Intake

diet

Also known as: AI

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Last updated

July 16, 2026

Quick Summary

The term "Adequate Intake" (AI) is a component of Dietary Reference Intakes (DRIs), which are guidelines for healthy eating established by scientists in the United States and Canada. DRIs are used to help individuals plan a healthy diet and avoid consuming too much of a nutrient.1

The AI is used when there is insufficient scientific evidence to establish a Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA). In such cases, the AI is based on estimates of nutrient intake levels from healthy populations. The DRIs encompass four categories: Estimated Average Requirement (EAR), Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA), Adequate Intake (AI), and Tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL). The AI serves as a guide for nutrient intake when specific requirements cannot be precisely determined.1

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human nutrition
Dietary Reference Intakes
…scientific evidence, another parameter, the Adequate Intake (AI), is given, based on estimates of intake levels of healthy populations. Lastly, the Tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL) is the highest level of a daily nutrient intake that will most likely present no risk of adverse health effects in almost all individuals…
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…scientific evidence, another parameter, the Adequate Intake (AI), is given, based on estimates of intake levels of healthy populations. Lastly, the Tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL) is the highest level of a daily nutrient intake that will most likely present no risk of adverse health effects in almost all individuals…
Read More