Activity (Level) See Physical Activity Level (PAL).
Adequate Intake (AI) Used when an RDI cannot be determined. The average daily nutrient intake level based on observed or experimentally determined approximations or estimates of nutrient intake by a group (or groups) of apparently healthy people that are assumed to be adequate. Term from the Nutrient Reference Values for Australia and New Zealand. Reference
Acceptable Macronutrient Distribution Range (AMDR) An estimate of the range of intake for each macronutrient for individuals (expressed as percent contribution to energy) which would allow for an adequate intake of all the other nutrients while maximising general health outcomes. Reference
Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR) Minimum level of energy expenditure required to maintain the basic processes of life. Can be measured under strict conditions or calculated. Contrast with Resting Metabolic Rate.
Body Mass Index (BMI) Body Mass Index is a number calculated using the formula BMI=Weight/HeightxHeight and is used to indicate body fatness. The healthy weight range is a BMI of 20 to 25. Overweight is a BMI of between 25 and 30; obesity is a BMI of 30 or more. Underweight is a BMI of 20 or less. This index is not appropriate for children, who should be compared with reference growth charts which indicate the normal range for weight, height and weight-for-height by sex and age.
Desirable Estimated Energy Requirement (DEER, or energy reference value) The dietary energy intake predicted to maintain energy balance (plus extra needs for pregnancy, lactation and growth) in healthy individuals or groups of individuals of a defined gender, age, weight, height and level of physical activity consistent with good health and/or development. Contrast with Estimated Energy Requirement for Maintenance (EERM). Term from the Nutrient Reference Values for Australia and New Zealand. Reference
Estimated Average Requirement (EAR) A daily nutrient level estimated to meet the requirements of half the healthy individuals in a particular life stage and gender group. Term from the Nutrient Reference Values for Australia and New Zealand. Reference
Estimated Energy Requirement (EER) The average dietary energy intake that is predicted to maintain energy balance in a healthy adult of defined age, gender, weight, height and level of physical activity, consistent with good health. In children and pregnant and lactating women, the EER is taken to include the needs associated with the deposition of tissues or the secretion of milk at rates consistent with good health. Term from the Nutrient Reference Values for Australia and New Zealand. Reference
Estimated Energy Requirement for Maintenance (EERM, or actual energy requirement) The dietary energy intake that is predicted to maintain energy balance (plus extra needs for pregnancy, lactation and growth) in healthy individuals or groups of individuals at current levels of body size and level of physical activity. Contrast with Desirable Estimated Energy Requirement (DEER). Term from the Nutrient Reference Values for Australia and New Zealand. Reference
GI Rating (Diets) Rating of low, medium or high for diets.
GI Rating (Foods/Recipes) Rating of low, medium, or high for foods and recipes.
GI (Assigned Carb) GI of that portion of the carbohydrate in the diet or recipe where the GI was known.
GL (Assigned Carb) GL of that portion of the carbohydrate in the diet or recipe where the GI was known.
Glycaemic Index (GI) Calculated final GI of recipe or diet.
Glycaemic Load (GL) Calculated final GL of recipe or diet.
Nutrient Reference Values (NRV) A set of nutrient values provided by the Australian and New Zealand Governments for providing nutrition advice to the public. Term from the Nutrient Reference Values for Australia and New Zealand. The NRVs include DEER, EERM, EAR, AI UL, SDT, AMDR and RDI. Reference
Percent Unassigned Carbohydrate Indicates % of carbohydrate for which no GI value is known.
Physical Activity Level (PAL) A factor used in combination with the BMR to calculate the estimated energy requirement. The factor used depends on the activity level of the individual. See Physical activity levels explained for more information on these levels.
Polyunsaturated, Monounsaturated, Saturated (PMS) Fats Ratio The percentage of the types of fat making up the total fat.
Protein, Fat, Carbohydrate and Alcohol (PFCA) ratio The ratio of energy (kilojoules) derived from protein, fat, saturated fat, carbohydrate and alcoho, fibre and others. 'Others' refers to other components that contribute to total energy, for example, organic acids and polydextrose.
Resting Metabolic Rate (RMR) Minimum level of energy expenditure required to maintain the basic processes of life. More commonly used than Basal Metabolic Rate, as RMR is measured under less strict conditions.
Schofield Equation A set of equations developed for estimating energy expenditure.
Suggested Dietary Target (SDT) A daily average intake from food and beverages for certain nutrients that may help in prevention of chronic disease. Term from the Nutrient Reference Values for Australia and New Zealand. Reference
Upper Level of Intake (UL) The highest average daily nutrient intake level likely to pose no adverse health effects to almost all individuals in the general population. As intake increases above the UL, the potential risk of adverse effects increases. Term from the Nutrient Reference Values for Australia and New Zealand. Reference
National Health and Medical Research Council:
Department of Health and Ageing, Commonwealth of Australia, 2006 Nutrient Reference
Values for Australia and New Zealand Including Recommended Dietary Intakes.
http://www.nhmrc.gov.au/publications/synopses/n35syn.htm