Professional nutrition glossary

Nutrition terms used in Professional are from the Nutrient Reference Values for Australia and New Zealand as referenced below. 

Activity Level 

See Physical Activity Levels (PAL)

AI 

Adequate Intake - 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. 

AMDR

Acceptable Macronutrient Distribution Range - 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. 

BMR 

Basal Metabolic Rate - 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.

BMI

Body Mass Index - BMI is calculated using the formula BMI=Weight(kg)/[Height(m)*Height(m)]. The BMI combines a person’s height and weight which can help to predict their risk of developing disease. BMI may not be an applicable measure for all people including those under 18, pregnant women, people with higher than normal levels of lean body tissue, and people of some ethnic backgrounds. 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.

DEER

Desirable Estimated Energy Requirement - 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). 

EAR 

Estimated Average Requirement - A daily nutrient level estimated to meet the requirements of half the healthy individuals in a particular life stage and gender group. 

EER

Estimated Energy Requirement - 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. 

EERM

Estimated Energy Requirement for Maintenance, 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).

NRV 

Nutrient Reference Values - A set of nutrient values provided by the Australian and New Zealand Governments for providing nutrition advice to the public. The NRVs include DEER, EERM, EAR, AI UL, SDT, AMDR and RDI. See Nutrient Reference Values explained for more information on these values.

Percent Unassigned CHO

Indicates % of carbohydrate for which no GI value is known.

PAL

Physical Activity Level - 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.

PMS

Polyunsaturated, Monounsaturated, Saturated Fats Ratio - The percentage of the types of fat making up the total fat.

PFCA ratio 

Protein, Fat, Carbohydrate and Alcohol Ratio - The ratio of energy (kilojoules) derived from protein, fat, saturated fat, carbohydrate and alcohol, fibre and others. 'Others' refers to other components that contribute to total energy, for example, organic acids and polydextrose.

RDI 

Recommended Dietary Intake - The average daily dietary intake level that is sufficient to meet the nutrient requirements of nearly all (97-98 per cent) healthy individuals in a particular life stage and gender group. 

RMR 

Resting Metabolic Rate - Minimum level of energy expenditure required to maintain the basic processes of life. More commonly used than Basal Metabolic Rate (as above), as RMR is measured under less strict conditions.

Schofield Equation  

A set of equations developed for estimating energy expenditure.

SDT 

Suggested Dietary Target - A daily average intake from food and beverages for certain nutrients that may help in prevention of chronic disease. 

UL 

Upper Level of Intake - 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. 

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.