J Nutr Health.  2021 Dec;54(6):584-593. 10.4163/jnh.2021.54.6.584.

The development of the 2020 Dietary Reference Intakes for Koreans: carbohydrate

• Kim W

• KMID: 2524208
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4163/jnh.2021.54.6.584

Abstract

In the 2020 Dietary Reference Intakes for Koreans, an acceptable macronutrient distribution range (AMDR), similar to the one established in 2015, was determined for carbohydrates. AMDR is the ratio that signifies energy intake from carbohydrates to the total energy intake, and is a reference that indicates a decreasing risk of chronic diseases. The AMDR of carbohydrate was determined to be optimal at 55–65% for all ages above 1 year. For the first time, in the year 2020, the estimated average requirement (EAR) and recommended nutrient intake (RNI) for carbohydrates were established. The EAR was based on the amount of glucose used per day in the brain, and was set at 100 g/day for all ages above 1 year. The RNI was set at 130 g/day, by adding a double coefficient of variation using a 15% coefficient of variation, for all ages above 1 year. In pregnant women, the amount of glucose utilized by the fetus brain was considered additionally, and for lactating women the amount of lactose secreted into maternal milk was additionally taken into consideration. Since the EAR of carbohydrate indicates the minimum amount of glucose required by the brain and is not an appropriate intake amount as an energy source, it is incorrect to compare the carbohydrate intake with the EAR or RNI. To evaluate the nutritional status of carbohydrate, it is appropriate to use the AMDR. Carbohydrate intakes within the AMDR range has the possibility in reducing the risk of chronic diseases. Hence, it is important to consider the quality as well as quantity of carbohydrates consumed.

Keyword

Dietary Reference Intakes for Koreans; carbohydrate; estimated average requirement; recommended nutrient intake; acceptable macronutrient distribution range