Which set of guidelines is intended to assess nutrient adequacy or plan intake of a population group, not individuals?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The Estimated Average Requirement (EAR) is the correct choice because it is specifically designed to assess the nutrient adequacy of population groups, not individuals. The Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) (choice A) is the average daily level of intake sufficient to meet the nutrient requirements of nearly all (97%-98%) healthy individuals in a particular life stage and gender group. The Dietary Reference Intake (DRI) (choice C) includes the EAR, RDA, Adequate Intake (AI), and UL, making it a broader set of nutrient reference values. The Tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL) (choice D) is the highest average daily nutrient intake level that is likely to pose no risk of adverse health effects to almost all individuals in the general population.