account the body's ability to convert the amino
acid tryptophan into niacin. 1NE = 1mg
niacin equivalent to 60mg tryptophan.
(RDI). Both serve to defi ne "the daily intake level
of a nutrient that is considered to be suffi cient
to meet the requirements of 9798% of healthy
individuals". These fi gures set the minimum levels
you need to stay healthy and have no connection
with the optimum or upper safety levels. It is
not unusual for a naturopathic practitioner to
recommend many times the RDA/ RNI in a
nutritional regime to take into account individual
needs. The RDA levels stated in this catalogue
have been sourced from the Health Food
Manufacturers' Association (HFMA). Please note
that not all nutrients have an EC defi ned RDA,
e.g. essential fatty acids.
enough, or more than enough, for 97% of the
population to avoid defi ciency". These fi gures
are different from the RDA but suffer from the
same limitations with regards to not taking into
account individual nutrient requirements (such as
sex, age, current health status) or factors such
as consumption of dietary nutrient absorption
inhibitors. Not all nutrients have RNI/RDA
values, e.g. chromium and phytonutrients.
compare equivalent forms of Vitamin A.
Vitamin E (replaced International Units; IU)
where 1mg = 1.2-1.5IU
to avoid adverse effects. It is important to
be aware of nutrient USLs but they are not
an absolute measurement. Many have been
derived from old research leading to excessively
cautious fi gures far too close to the RNI. Evidence
indicates that organic forms of nutrients such as
citrates are both more effective per mcg used and
also safer at higher intakes than inorganic forms.
This should have a positive effect upon the RNI
and the USL.