A 14-year old patient with cancer is concerned about diet,and questions the need for vitamins to supplement the diet.The patient states,"I don't think my diet alone is providing the upper intake levels (ULs)of vitamins that I need." What is the best response from the nurse?

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The tolerable UL is the highest level that likely poses no risk for adverse health events.It is not a recommended level of intake.There are four components to the DRIs: estimated average requirement (EAR),recommended dietary allowances (RDAs),adequate intakes (AIs),and tolerable upper intake levels (ULs).The EAR is the recommended amount of a nutrient that appears sufficient to maintain a specific body function for 50% of the population based on age and gender.The RDA is the average needs of 98% of the population,not the exact needs of an individual.The AI is the suggested intake for individuals based on observed or experimentally determined estimates of nutrient intakes by groups and is provided when there is insufficient evidence to set an RDA."You shouldn't worry" is false reassurance and should not be used.The patient needs to be educated on not using the ULs as a measure of intake,not that vitamins from food are better than supplements.

A 14-Year Old Patient with Cancer Is Concerned About Diet,and