ARS | Publication request: Application of nutrient intake values (NIVs)

Submitted to: Food and Nutrition Bulletin
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: August 20, 2006
Publication Date: February 1, 2007
Repository URL: http://ddr.nal.usda.gov/bitstream/10113/44148/1/IND44421486.pdf
Citation: Vorster, H.H., Murphy, S.P., Allen, L.H., King, J.C. 2007. Application of nutrient intake values (NIVs). Food and Nutrition Bulletin. 28:S116-S122.

Interpretive Summary: An international group of experts established a common basis for setting recommended intakes of nutrients for people around the world. These are referred to as Nutrient Intake Values (NIVs). As part of this work, the authors of this paper describe how the NIVs can be used to assess diets, plan diets and plan and evaluate nutrition programs. The NIVs can also be applied in nutrition education, marketing and labeling, research, development of new food products, food procurement and trade, food aid, and clinical nutrition. Specific examples are provided of how the NIVs can be used in food labeling and fortification, and in developing dietary guidelines, with information relevant to both industrialized and developing countries. NIVs are the scientific basis of all aspects of nutrition policy in countries and regions across the world.

Technical Abstract: The process of applying nutrient intake values (NIVs) for dietary assessment, planning, and implementing programs is discussed in this paper. In addition to assessing, monitoring, and evaluating nutritional situations, applications include planning food policies, strategies, and programs for promotion of optimal nutrition and preventing and treating malnutrition (both over- and undernutrition). Other applications include nutrition education, food and nutrient legislation, marketing and labeling, research, product development, food procurement and trade (import and export), food aid, and therapeutic (clinical) nutrition. Specific examples of how NIVs are used to develop food labels, fortification policies, and food-based dietary guidelines are described. Applications in both developed and developing countries are also described. In summary, NIVs are the scientific backbone of all aspects of nutrition policy in countries and regions worldwide.