Explain The Estimated Average Intake (EAR)?
Considering that the nutrient requirements follow a normal distribution, the EAR is defined as 'the median usual intake that meets the requirement of half of the healthy individuals in a given life stage and gender group.' Note: Earlier RDA has used mean rather than the median. At this level, the other half of the individuals will not meet their requirements. The EAR is based on specific criterion of adequacy, derived from a review of the literature. Reduction of disease risk is considered along with other health parameters in the selection of this criterion. EAR is used to calculate RDA.