Defining the process of Dietary Reference Intakes: framework for the United States and Canada

The pioneering project of the harmonization of Dietary Reference Intakes (DRIs) for the United States and Canada resulted in the production of 13 reports from 1997 to 2006 that included 6 reports on specific nutrient groups, 3 reports in preparation for setting recommendations for fiber and antioxidants, 2 reports on applications of DRIs, a report of the synthesis of identified research gaps, and a summary report, Dietary Reference Intakes: The Essential Guide to Nutrient Requirements. This bicountry collaborative effort to harmonize values of reference nutrient intakes has continued through meetings to evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of the first harmonized DRI process in North America and to refine the framework for future revisions of DRIs.