Dietary Reference Intakes: Elements
Nutrient

Function

Arsenic

No biological function in humans although animal data indicate a requirement Boron

No clear biological function in humans although animal data indicate a functional role

Life Stage
Group
Infants
0−6 mo
7−12 mo

RDA/AI*

ND
ND

b

ULa

ND
ND

Children
1−3 y
4−8 y

ND
ND

ND
ND

Males
9−13 y
14−18 y
19−30 y
31-50 y
50-70 y
> 70 y

ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND

ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND

Females
9−13 y
14−18 y
19−30 y
31-50 y
50-70 y
> 70 y

ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND

ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND

Pregnancy
≤ 18 y
19-30y
31-50 y

ND
ND
ND

ND
ND
ND

ND
ND
ND

ND
ND
ND
(mg/d)
ND
ND

Lactation
≤ 18 y
19-30y
31−50 y
Infants
0−6 mo
7−12 mo

ND
ND

Children
1−3 y
4−8 y

ND
ND

3
6

Males
9−13 y
14−18 y
19−30 y
31-50 y
50-70 y
> 70 y

ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND

11
17
20
20
20
20

Females
9−13 y
14−18 y
19−30 y
31-50 y
50-70 y
> 70 y

ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND

11
17
20
20
20
20

Pregnancy
≤ 18 y
19-30y
31-50 y

ND
ND
ND

17
20
20

Lactation
≤ 18 y
19-30y
31−50 y

ND
ND
ND

17
20
20

Selected Food
Sources
Dairy products, meat, poultry, fish, grains and cereal

Adverse effects of excessive consumption No data on the possible adverse effects of organic arsenic compounds in food were found. Inorganic arsenic is a known toxic substance.

Special Considerations
None

Although the UL was not determined for arsenic, there is no justification for adding arsenic to food or supplements. Fruit-based beverages and products, potatoes, legumes, milk, avocado, peanut butter, peanuts

Reproductive and developmental effects as observed in animal studies.

None

NOTE: The table is adapted from the DRI reports, see www.nap.edu. It represents Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDAs) in bold type, Adequate Intakes (AIs) in ordinary type followed by an asterisk (*), and Tolerable Upper Intake Levels (ULs)a. RDAs and AIs may both be used as goals for individual intake. RDAs are set to meet the needs of almost all (97 to 98 percent) individuals in a group. For healthy breastfed infants, the AI is the mean intake. The AI for other life stage and gender groups is believed to cover the needs of all individuals in the group, but lack of data prevent being able to specify with confidence the percentage of individuals covered by this intake. a UL = The maximum level of daily nutrient intake that is likely to pose no risk of adverse effects. Unless otherwise specified, the UL represents total intake from food, water, and supplements. Due to lack of suitable data, ULs could not be established for vitamin K, thiamin, riboflavin, vitamin B12, pantothenic acid, biotin, or carotenoids. In the absence of ULs, extra caution may be warranted in consuming levels above recommended intakes. b ND = Not determinable due to lack of data of adverse effects in this age group and concern with regard to lack of ability to handle excess amounts. Source of intake should be from food only to prevent high levels of intake.

SOURCES: Dietary Reference Intakes for Calcium, Phosphorous, Magnesium, Vitamin D, and Fluoride (1997); Dietary Reference Intakes for Thiamin, Riboflavin, Niacin, Vitamin B6,
Folate, Vitamin B12, Pantothenic Acid, Biotin, and Choline (1998); Dietary Reference Intakes for Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Selenium, and Carotenoids (2000); and Dietary Reference
Intakes for Vitamin A, Vitamin K, Arsenic, Boron, Chromium, Copper, Iodine, Iron, Manganese, Molybdenum, Nickel, Silicon, Vanadium, and Zinc (2001). These reports may be accessed via www.nap.edu. Copyright 2001 by The National Academies. All rights reserved.

Dietary Reference Intakes: Elements
Nutrient

Function

Calcium

Essential role in blood clotting, muscle contraction, nerve transmission, and bone and tooth formation Chromium

Helps to maintain normal blood glucose levels

RDA/AI*

ULa

(mg/d)
210*
270*

(mg/d) b ND
ND

Children
1−3 y
4−8 y

500*
800*

2,500
2,500

Males
9−13 y
14−18 y
19−30 y
31-50 y
50-70 y
> 70 y

1,300*
1,300*
1,000*
1,000*
1,200*
1,200*

2,500
2,500
2,500
2,500
2,500
2,500

Females