What approach is taken in setting recommendations for energy intakes and why? How does this approach differ from that taken for other nutrients?

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

In contrast to the RDA and AI values for nutrients, the recommendation for energy is not generous. Excess energy cannot be readily excreted and is eventually stored as body fat. These reserves may be beneficial when food is scarce, but they can also lead to obesity and its associated health consequences.

Estimated Energy Requirement (EER): The energy recommendation—called the Estimated Energy Requirement (EER)—represents the average dietary energy intake (kcalories per day) that will maintain energy balance in a person who has a healthy body weight and level of physical activity. Balance is key to the energy recommendation. Enough food energy is needed to sustain a healthy and active life, but too much can lead to weight gain and obesity. Because any amount in excess of energy needs will result in weight gain, no upper level for energy has been determined.
Acceptable Macronutrient Distribution Ranges (AMDR)

People don't eat energy directly; they derive energy from foods containing carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. Each of these three energy-yielding nutrients contributes to the total energy intake, and those contributions vary in relation to one another. The DRI committee has determined that the composition of a diet that provides adequate energy and nutrients and reduces the risk of chronic diseases is:
45 to 65 percent kcalories from carbohydrate
20 to 35 percent kcalories from fat
10 to 35 percent kcalories from protein.