The recommended daily intake of sodium for people 14 years of age and older is referred to as which term?

• A. Tolerable Upper Intake Level
• B. Recommended Daily Allowance
• C. Adequate Intake
• D. Upper Limit

Answer: (A)

The main idea behind these terms is how much of a nutrient we’re recommending to eat daily. For sodium, there isn’t a precise requirement known for everyone, so the recommended daily amount is labeled Adequate Intake. AI is used when there isn’t enough evidence to set a specific daily amount that meets nearly everyone’s needs; it marks a target to aim for to maintain health. The concept you’re being tested on is recognizing that AI, not a maximum or a specific “allowance,” describes the daily amount to strive for.

In contrast, a Tolerable Upper Intake Level (the ceiling) is the highest daily amount unlikely to cause adverse effects; it’s about safety, not a target. So the term that fits “recommended daily intake” for sodium in this context is Adequate Intake.