Macronutrients

Dietary Reference Intakes: Macronutrients
Nutrient

Function

Carbohydrate—

RDA based on its

Total digestible

role as the primary energy source for the brain; AMDR based on its role as a source of kilocalories to maintain body weight Life Stage
Group
Infants
0−6 mo
7−12 mo

b

ND
ND

130
130

45-65
45-65

Males
9−13 y
14−18 y
19−30 y
31-50 y
50-70 y
> 70 y

130
130
130
130
130
130

45-65
45-65
45-65
45-65
45-65
45-65

130
130
130
130
130
130

45-65
45-65
45-65
45-65
45-65
45-65

175
175

45-65
45-65
45-65

Lactation
≤ 18 y
19-30y
31−50 y

210
210
210

45-65
45-65
45-65

Infants
0−6 mo
7−12 mo

ND
ND

Pregnancy
≤ 18 y
19-30y
31-50 y

Improves laxation, reduces risk of coronary heart disease, assists in maintaining normal blood glucose levels..

60*
95*

AMDR

Children
1−3 y
4−8 y

Females
9−13 y
14−18 y
19−30 y
31-50 y
50-70 y
> 70 y

Total Fiber

RDA/AI* g/d Children
1−3 y
4−8 y

19*
25*

Males
9−13 y
14−18 y
19−30 y
31-50 y
50-70 y
> 70 y

31*
38*
38*
38*
30*
30*

Females
9−13 y
14−18 y
19−30 y
31-50 y
50-70 y
> 70 y

26*
26*
25*
25*
21*
21*

Pregnancy
≤ 18 y
19-30y
31-50 y

28*
28*
28*

Selected Food
Sources
Starch and sugar are the major types of carbohydrates. Grains and vegetables (corn, pasta, rice, potatoes, breads) are sources of starch. Natural sugars are found in fruits and juices.
Sources of added sugars are soft drinks, candy, fruit drinks, and desserts.

Adverse effects of excessive consumption While no defined intake level at which potential adverse effects of total digestible carbohydrate was identified, the upper end of the adequate macronutrient distribution range (AMDR) was based on decreasing risk of chronic disease and providing adequate intake of other nutrients. It is suggested that the maximal intake of added sugars be limited to providing no more than 25 percent of energy. Includes dietary fiber naturally present in grains (such as found in oats, wheat, or unmilled rice) and functional fiber synthesized or isolated from plants
or