The Scientific Body Behind the AMDR
The Acceptable Macronutrient Distribution Ranges (AMDRs) are established by scientific experts under the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM). The Food and Nutrition Board (FNB), now part of NASEM's Health and Medicine Division, forms expert panels to determine these nutritional recommendations. This process involves a comprehensive review of scientific evidence related to health and nutrition.
The Role of the Food and Nutrition Board
The FNB is responsible for the Dietary Reference Intakes (DRIs), which include the AMDRs. This board consists of various experts who analyze data to provide recommendations aimed at reducing chronic disease risk and ensuring adequate nutrient intake. The FNB's work ensures recommendations are based on current scientific understanding.
What Factors Influence the AMDR?
Expert committees consider several factors when setting the AMDR:
- Chronic Disease Risk: They evaluate the link between macronutrient distribution and chronic diseases like heart disease and diabetes.
- Essential Nutrient Adequacy: The AMDR must allow for sufficient intake of vitamins and minerals without exceeding Tolerable Upper Intake Levels (ULs).
- Population Data: They review health and nutrition data from surveys in the U.S. and Canada.
- Macronutrient Metabolism: The committees consider how the body processes carbohydrates, fats, and proteins.
- Balancing Health Outcomes: The AMDR aims to support multiple health indicators simultaneously.
The DRIs: A Broader Context
AMDRs are part of the larger system of Dietary Reference Intakes (DRIs), which guide health professionals and public health initiatives in the U.S. and Canada. The DRIs include several key values.
Comparison of DRI Values
{Link: Additional details about DRI values can be found on the National Academies Press website https://nap.nationalacademies.org/read/11537/chapter/7}
The History and Evolution of the AMDR
The AMDR concept was introduced by the Institute of Medicine (IOM), a precursor to NASEM, in the early 2000s. This marked a shift towards considering chronic disease risk in dietary recommendations. The AMDR provides flexible ranges, acknowledging that healthy diets can have varying macronutrient compositions within these limits. Recent discussions by NASEM in 2024 have considered the future of the AMDR within the evolving DRI framework, which now includes the Chronic Disease Risk Reduction (CDRR) value, reflecting the dynamic nature of nutritional science.
Practical Implications of the AMDR
The AMDR provides a guide for healthy eating. The ranges are broad enough to suit different diets while ensuring nutrient adequacy.
- For adults, the general AMDRs are:
- Carbohydrates: 45–65% of daily calories.
- Fat: 20–35% of daily calories.
- Protein: 10–35% of daily calories.
These ranges offer flexibility. For example, a diet higher in fat and lower in carbs can still be within the healthy range. The focus is on balance and nutrient-dense food choices. Health professionals use AMDRs to help individuals develop healthy eating patterns.
Conclusion
The Acceptable Macronutrient Distribution Range is a set of scientifically-supported guidelines created by expert panels under the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, specifically the Food and Nutrition Board. This process involves reviewing scientific evidence to balance the prevention of nutrient deficiencies with minimizing chronic disease risk. As part of the Dietary Reference Intakes, the AMDR offers flexible, evidence-based recommendations important for individual diet planning and public health. This ongoing process ensures nutritional guidance remains current and effective, assisting people in making informed choices for long-term health.
Visit the official National Academies Press website for more information on the DRI process.
