Dietary Reference Intakes for Japanese 2010: Macrominerals

Dietary Reference Intakes of five macrominerals (sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium and phosphate) were determined for Japanese. The estimated average requirement (EAR) and the recommended dietary allowance (RDA) for adults ages 18 y and older were determined in calcium and magnesium. In sodium, the EAR was determined. The RDA was not determined because the values were much lower than normal intake levels. Furthermore the dietary goal for preventing lifestyle-related diseases (DG) was determined based on preventing hypertension. In potassium, the value that is considered appropriate to maintain in vivo potassium balance was used as the adequate intake, the DG was established from a standpoint of prevention of hypertension. In calcium, the EAR and RDA were determined by the factorial method. In phosphate, the AI was determined based on the intake level of the National Health and Nutrition Surveys. The tolerable upper intake level (UL) for adults was determined in calcium, phosphate and magnesium, but the UL of magnesium was applied from a source other than ordinary food.