Harmonization of Approaches to Nutrient Reference Values

Recommended intake levels for nutrients and other dietary components were designed initially to prevent nutrient deficiency diseases in a given population, and the original methodological approach used to derive intake values did not include consideration for other applications. However, with the increasing globalization of information and the identification of a variety of factors specific to different population subgroups (e.g., young children and women of reproductive age) that influence their nutritional needs, there has been increasing recognition of the need to consider methodological approaches to deriving nutrient reference values (NRVs) that are applicable across countries and that take into account the varying needs of different population subgroups. There is a need for guidance and recommendations about methodological approaches, as well as their potential for application to an international process for the development of NRVs, and particularly for young children and women of reproductive age. Harmonization of Approaches to Nutrient Reference Values: Applications to Young Children and Women of Reproductive Age examines these issues and makes recommendations for a unified approach to developing NRVs that would be acceptable globally. Table of Contents Front Matter Summary 1 Introduction and Problem Statement 2 Conceptual Foundations of Nutrient Reference Value Development 3 A Harmonized Process for Nutrient Reference Value Development 4 Applying Methodological Approaches to Nutrient Reference Values for Young Children and Women of Reproductive Age: An Assessment of Exemplar Nutrients 5 Future Directions and Data Gaps Appendix A: Glossary Appendix B: Workshop Agenda Appendix C: AGREE II Instrument Appendix D: Tools and Methods to Evaluate the Risk of Bias in Individual Studies Appendix E: Scaling Methods to Extrapolate from Reference Values of One Age Group to Another Appendix F: European Food Safety Authority's Scientific Opinion on Dietary Reference Values for Protein: Growth Factors for Children Age 6 Months to 17 Years Appendix G: Committee Member Biographies