ARS | Publication request: APPLICATION OF FUZZY METHODS FOR SETTING RDA'S

Submitted to: Nutrition International Congress Proceedings
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: July 27, 1997
Publication Date: N/A

Technical Abstract: Application of fuzzy methods in nutrition optimization and nutrition education is well established. These methods are based on using fuzzy sets to describe the degree of health (based on biochemical and/or physiological indices) when the intake of one nutrient is varied. This presentation shows that fuzzy methods can be used for setting an RDA. The e correlations between nutrient intake and biological indicators, representing body status of the nutrient, are obtained experimentally. Next, the clinical values of a specific biological indicator are related to degree of health. For example, extreme hypoglycemia is life threatening. Values for the specific indicator give a partial fuzzy set "degree of health when varying one nutrient in relation to one indicator". Aggregation of all partial fuzzy sets for all indicators for one nutrient gives a fuzzy set "degree of health when varying the intake of one nutrient". The maximum of the corresponding curve describes the optimal intake of this one nutrient. Inclusion of a statistical safety margin gives a new curve whose maximum can be used for setting an RDA. As an example, the derivation of the fuzzy set for Zn is shown by using two indicators for zinc status, erythrocyte zinc and erythrocyte Cu-Zn superoxide dismutase. By using fuzzy methods, an RDA for Zn of 9 mg/day is obtained. This value corresponds with the newest European recommendations.