Expert Advisory Committee on Dietary Reference Intakes
Health Canada appoints an Expert Advisory Committee on Dietary Reference Intakes
Dietary Reference Intakes (DRIs) are nutrient values that guide decision-making
on nutrition policies and programs. DRIs are based on the latest science
about human nutrition needs for healthy individuals. Eleven people have
been appointed to advise the government on how best to apply the newly
established DRIs to promote the nutritional health of Canadians.
During the 1990's, teams of Canadian and American scientists began reviewing
the body of evidence on nutrient requirements and updating the values.
The US-based National Academy of Sciences is overseeing the review process.
In 1997, the National Academy published the first in a series of at least
eleven DRI reports. The final DRI report is expected in 2004.
In many ways, this review is no different from past reviews, where scientists
examine evidence and arrive at a new understanding. What is different
is the way the DRIs are presented, introducing for the first time four
categories of values for each nutrient, instead of the existing single
value approach. The availability of these different categories of nutrient
values results in greater precision and clarity in their application to
health planning.
The DRIs replace the Recommended Nutrient Intakes in Canada and the Recommended
Dietary Allowances in the US.
In 1998, Health Canada consulted with stakeholders about the DRIs. They
learned of interest and support for an external advisory committee who
would advise government on DRI implementation for Canada. A later survey
of stakeholders identified potential candidates for this committee.
On September 16, 2002 Health Canada appointed 11 people to an Expert
Advisory Committee on Dietary Reference Intakes. The backgrounds of these
individuals are diverse in experience and expertise - epidemiology, nutritional
science, biostatistics, health promotion, disease prevention, and policy
development. Together, they bring the critical skills to the task of advising
on options for government action on DRIs.
The DRIs are significant benchmarks for health planning and as such,
will influence regulatory standards, assessments of dietary patterns,
and food and nutrition advice delivered to the Canadian public - all activities
that the Committee will address during their two year tenure.
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