The Nutrient Reference Value (NRV) chart is a guide that provides information about the recommended daily intake of various nutrients. Many health professionals and nutritionists use it to help people make informed decisions about their diet.
The NRV chart lists the recommended daily intake of nutrients, including vitamins, minerals, and macronutrients such as protein, carbohydrates, and fats. The chart is divided into different categories, including energy, protein, fat, carbohydrates, fibre, vitamins, and minerals.
Why is the NRV Important?
The Nutrient Reference Value (NRV) is important in a diet because it provides a guide to the recommended daily intake of nutrients essential for maintaining good health. By following the NRV chart, individuals can ensure they consume the right amounts of vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients needed to function properly.
A balanced diet that meets the NRV recommendations can help lower the risk of chronic diseases, including heart disease, diabetes, and certain types of cancer. It can also improve overall health and well-being by providing the body with sufficient nutrients to maintain healthy bones, muscles, and organs.
However, it's important to note that the NRV chart is a general guide. Individuals may need to adjust their nutrient intake based on age, sex, weight, physical activity level, and other factors. It's always best to consult a healthcare professional or a registered dietitian for personalised advice on meeting nutrient needs.
Why are Some NRV Percentages Higher Than the Amount Needed?
Some Nutrient Reference Value (NRV) percentages may be higher than the amount needed because the NRV values are set as a general guide to meet the minimum needs of most people in a particular age group or gender. As a result, many food supplements will have a higher percentage of the given nutrient in them than is recommended by NRVs.
Some individuals may have higher nutrient needs due to various factors such as age, sex, weight, physical activity level, and health conditions. For example, pregnant or breastfeeding women may have higher nutrient needs for certain vitamins and minerals such as folic acid, iron, and calcium.
It's important to note that consuming more than the recommended NRV values for certain nutrients may not necessarily provide additional health benefits and could even be harmful in some cases.
Why Do Some Vitamins Have Less than 100% NRV
As well as recommended daily nutrient reference values, a few vitamins and minerals, such as zinc, have safe upper limits (UL). ULs advise the level of intake which you should not exceed on a daily basis. Many multivitamins take this into account to avoid excess vitamin stacking, by putting less than 100% of your NRV in each dose.
Another factor could be the functionality of a supplement. For example, NRVs only apply to adults, as they have not yet been set for children. It is, however, common for children’s vitamin and mineral supplements to include NRV information on their labels. As children's requirements are generally less than adults, you would expect to find lower NRVs in the associated supplements.