What does Adequate Intake indicate in dietary terms?

Adequate Intake (AI) is a dietary reference value that is set when there is not enough scientific evidence to establish a Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for a nutrient. It is intended to reflect a level of intake that is assumed to ensure nutritional adequacy based on observations of healthy individuals. Therefore, the AI represents the average amount of a nutrient that appears to maintain health and prevent deficiency in a healthy population.

The concept of AI is particularly useful for nutrients that have not been studied extensively, making it challenging to pinpoint an exact requirement. By setting the AI based on the typical intake of healthy individuals, it provides guidance for what is considered an adequate amount to support overall health without risk of deficiency.

This understanding helps individuals and health professionals assess dietary needs and plan nutrition interventions effectively. While it does not represent the minimum amount needed to avoid deficiency, the AI serves as a target for daily intake, indicating a level of consumption deemed appropriate for optimal health in a general context.