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Acceptable Macronutrient Distribution Range (AMDR)

DRI ranges expressed as percent of energy that are associated with reduced risk of chronic disease while providing essential nutrients: 45-65% carbohydrate, 20-35% fat, 10-35% protein for adults.

Also: AMDR

AMDRs acknowledge that macronutrients are interchangeable energy sources within bounds and that very low or very high intakes of any one shift the others. The ranges are derived from epidemiologic evidence on chronic disease and nutrient adequacy combined, and are intended for healthy populations.

How each textbook covers it

  • duyff-complete-food-and-nutrition-guide-5e

  • Krause and Mahan's Food and the Nutrition Care Process, 16th ed.Chapter 10

    Adult AMDRs: carbohydrate 45 to 65% of energy, fat 20 to 35%, protein 10 to 35%. Children's ranges differ. Intakes outside the AMDR increase chronic disease risk or risk of nutrient inadequacy. AMDRs frame counseling around macronutrient balance rather than absolute grams.

  • Modern Nutrition in Health and Disease, 12th ed.Ch 109: Dietary Reference Intakes

    AMDRs acknowledge that macronutrients are interchangeable energy sources within bounds and that very low or very high intakes of any one shift the others. The ranges are derived from epidemiologic evidence on chronic disease and nutrient adequacy combined, and are intended for healthy populations.

Related terms

Carbohydrate, DRI, Dietary Reference Intakes, Protein Requirement, RDA