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Review of Macronutrients and Energy

The Joint U.S-Canada Dietary Reference Intakes Working Group prioritized updating the macronutrients and energy DRIs. The review of the energy DRI began in fall 2021, aiming to review the DRIs for all macronutrients over a period of several years. 

Review of DRIs for Energy

The DRI working group selected energy as the first topic to be addressed because of the nature of the DRI values for energy. The estimated energy requirement (EER) and the type of data needed to set EER values are very different from those for any other macronutrient component. This allowed NASEM to start the review of the DRI values for energy independently of macronutrients. The report was published in January 2023.

Overview of Macronutrients Review

The review of macronutrients will address energy, protein, fat, and carbohydrate, including fiber.

Macronutrients have been prioritized for review based on:

  • Relevance to current public health concerns 
  • Significant, new, and relevant data since the last DRI review
  • Feedback from DRI users across U.S. and Canadian federal agencies 
  • Feedback on scientific topics that relate to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans 

The U.S. and Canadian governments are commissioning and funding reviews of the evidence to support independent expert committees, overseen by NASEM, to develop the DRI values for energy, protein, fat, and carbohydrate, including fiber.