PHARMACOLOGY
1. What is the difference between the Estimated Average Requirements (EAR) and the
Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA)?
× Estimated Average Requirement (EAR) represents the nutritional intake estimated
to meet the needs of half (50%) of the healthy people in a group. It is often used
to assess nutrient intake of groups of people for nutritional adequate dietary
planning. The Estimated Average Requirement (EAR) is determined by a board of
trustees of nutrition specialists who surveys and reviews academic literatures,
specifically scientific literature regarding their chosen field of specialty, to ascertain
the value which meets the nutrient requirements of the 50% of individuals in their
objective gathering inside a given life stage and for a specified sex. The needs of
the halves will fall on both above and below of the EAR. It is important to note that
for each nutrient, a specific body function will be chosen as the criterion on which
the EAR is based. These values become the scientific basis whereupon RDA
values are set. RDA, Recommended Dietary Allowance, is the amount of an
essential nutrient ingested that, on the basis of scientific evidence, has been
determined by the Food and Nutrition Board to be sufficient to meet the known
nutrient requirements of virtually all healthy people. It is categorized by age, sex,
lactation, and pregnancy. In other words, it is the average daily level of intake
sufficient to meet the nutrient requirements of nearly all (97-98%) healthy
individuals that is often used to plan nutritionally adequate diets for individuals. In
a much simpler words, Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) values are set to
meet the needs of the vast majority (97 to 98 percent) of the target healthy
population while the Estimated Average Requirement (EAR) is set at a point that
meets the needs of half the population. Take note that the RDAs are different than
the actual nutrient needs of a given individual. It is just that it is meant as a
recommendation and meeting the RDA means it is very likely that you are meeting
your actual requirement for that nutrient.
2. Describe a one-day meal plan that only contains high- nutrient- dense foods and adheres
to the guidance system.
× Protein the size of your fist, vegetables that fill half of your plate, 1/2 cup of whole
grains. Starting with sweeteners, have some smoothie which is an easy way to get
a ton of nutrients in one fell swoop. Make a smoothie with natural sweeteners as
the approach ensures you get the fiber, vitamins, and minerals you need to get
your day off to a solid start. After that is a 1 8-ounce of coconut water for extra
hydration as coconut water contains antioxidants, electrolytes, and nutrients such
as potassium, magnesium, vitamin C, and calcium. Next is vegetables with some
healthy fats. Don’t forget to eat vegetables as they are nutrient powerhouses and
just a cup will check off your entire day’s need for vitamins A, K, and C – especially
those dark leafy greens.
3. Why is exceeding the Tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL) for a nutrient not recommended
to organs especially the liver.
× The Tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL) is the maximum level of total chronic intake
of a nutrient from all sources judged to be unlikely to pose a risk of adverse health
effects in humans. However, as the intake increases above the TUIL/UL, the risk
of adverse effects also increases – especially if the nutrient intake is consumed at
that level on a long-term basis.
4. Define a functional food and describe how both naturally occurring and packaged
functional foods can be part of a healthy, well-balanced diet.
× Functional foods are novel foods that have been formulated so that they contain
substances or live microorganisms that have a possible health-enhancing or
disease-preventing value, and at a concentration that is both safe and sufficiently
high to achieve the intended benefit. In other words, these are the foods that
provide a health benefit beyond basic nutrition which includes conventional foods,
fortified, enriched, enhanced foods and dietary supplements. These foods also
provide more nutrients necessary than needed for normal growth and also provide
other biologically active components that impart health benefits. Modified, fortified
functional foods can also fit into a balanced diet. In fact, they can help fill any gaps
in your diet to prevent nutrient deficiencies, as well as enhance health by boosting
your intake of important nutrients like vitamins, minerals, fiber, heart-healthy fats,
or probiotics.