Which resource provides a reference for nutritional needs, guiding daily intake?

• A. My Plate guidelines
• B. Dietary Reference Intakes (DRI)
• C. Food exchange lists
• D. Grocery shopping guides

Answer: (B)

The resource that provides reference values for nutritional needs to guide daily intake is Dietary Reference Intakes (DRI). The DRI set includes established reference values like the Recommended Dietary Allowance, Adequate Intake, Tolerable Upper Intake Level, and Estimated Average Requirement. These values help nutrition professionals and individuals plan and assess daily nutrient intakes across different ages, sexes, and life stages, including pregnancy and lactation, ensuring amounts meet health needs without excess.

Other resources serve different purposes: MyPlate offers a general visual guide to food groups and portion balance for everyday eating, not precise nutrient targets. Food exchange lists help with meal planning by categorizing foods by their macronutrient content for specific needs (like diabetes management) but don’t provide universal daily nutrient reference values. Grocery shopping guides focus on choosing foods and understanding labels rather than giving official daily intake guidelines.