RDIs

Question
Hi,

I asked you a question last week about folate and you gave a helpful answer, I am still abit puzzled about the differences in RDI/RDA from country to country.
For example the RDI for folic acid in adults in the UK and Australia is 200mcg, but the USA one (as you gave in your answer) is 400mcg for adult men and women. Why is the USA one double, and if it is this way why don't other countries increase to 400mcg too? How many research papers can I expect to find in relation to an RDI?

Thanks for your help,
Marco

Answer
Dear Marc,

   Thanks for follow up question.  The British Food Standards agency does'nt believe there is enough solid research to increase the folate requirements of the people in the UK.  They also don't believe it is satisfactory for the UK to rely on the results of foreign particularly American food surveys.
   The RDI/RNI's vary by the dietary patterns of each country.  It is influenced by agricultural practices, climatic, ecological, cultural and socioeconomic factors which determine the foods that are available.
  The first step in the process of setting dietary guidelines is to define the significant diet-related public health problems in a given community. Once these are defined, the diet component is evaluated, including the assessment of the adequacy of the food supply and consumption pattern.  You should be able to find many articles about the different RDI's from other countries through your local university library.  There are articles online some of which are free and others which have a charge.  Hope this helps.

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