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The Dietary Reference Intake value that meets the nutrient needs of at least half of a population is the Estimated Average Requirement (EAR). The EAR is specifically designed to represent the average daily nutrient intake level that is estimated to meet the requirements of half the healthy individuals in a particular life stage and gender group. This means that for any given nutrient, the EAR serves as a benchmark to assess nutrient adequacy in populations and is used to calculate the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA), which covers the needs of approximately 97-98% of the population.

This value is particularly useful in research and policy-making, as it helps to determine the prevalence of inadequate intake within a population. It provides a basis for setting the RDA and assists in planning dietary guidelines and recommendations.

In contrast, the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) is established to meet the needs of nearly all (97-98%) individuals, while Adequate Intake (AI) is used when there is insufficient evidence to establish an RDA and may not specifically meet the needs of any particular percentage of the population. The Upper Limit (UL) is the maximum daily intake unlikely to cause adverse health effects. Understanding the functions of these different values is essential for proper nutritional assessment and dietary planning