Purposes and Uses of Requirement Tables

The use intended for a dietary standard has always influenced the choice of figures. As stated above, the 1953 Canadian Standard aimed to 

The United States Recommended Dietary Allowances state that they have avoided minimal requirements and given levels of nutrient intake that appear desirable in the opinion of many competent observers to maintain good nutrition, not just for the average person, but for substantially all normal persons. In the usual curve of biological distribution of measurements this is the highest point or a little beyond the highest point (see points Z on curves in Fig. 1). 

The British figures consider the problem of physiological requirements but do not adjust for individual variations, aiming simply at the average person. 

On the basis of the above discussion of United States, British, and Canadian tables expressing needed quantities of calories and nutrients, it is clear that one must consider the use or purpose for which the figures are proposed. Other tables of figures, as well as decisions by the administrators of acts to control foods, drugs, and cosmetics, and acts to administer social assistance, show that certain figures may be set up just for these 

For use in evaluating the dietary status of a group of people from the total and average quantities of food eaten, or in providing foods for such a group. 

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