Page 92 - Nutrition Essentials for Nursing Practice

80 U N I T 1 Principles of Nutrition

g fat/day 120
115
110
105
100

95
90
85
80
75
70 AMDR 20-35% total cal
65
60
55
50
45
40
35
30
25
20

1400 1600 1800 2000 2200 2400 2600 2800 3000 3200

Total cal/day

■ F I G U R E 4 . 7 Amount of total fat appropriate at various calorie levels based on
Acceptable Macronutrient Distribution Range of 20% to 35% of total calories.

Essential Fatty Acids

Both an AMDR and AI have been set for the essential fatty acids linoleic acid and alpha-
linolenic acid (Table 4.1). The AI values are based on the observed median intake in the
United States, where fatty acid deficiencies do not exist in healthy people. AI should not
be confused with RDA nor should it be assumed to be an optimal level of intake that con-
fers the lowest risk of disease. Insufficient data exist to set a UL for either of the essential
fatty acids.

Cholesterol

Cholesterol intake, like saturated fat and trans fat, is recommended to be as low as possible
while consuming a nutritionally adequate diet.

Table 4.1 Dietary Reference Intakes for Essential Fatty Acids

Acceptable Macronutrient Adequate Intake
Distribution Range

Percent of Total Percent of Total Linolenic Alpha-
Calories from Calories from Alpha- Acid (g/day) Linolenic Acid
Linoleic Acid (%)
Linoleic Acid (%) (g/day)

Adult men 5–10 0.6–1.2 17 1.6
Adult women 5–10 0.6–1.2 12 1.1