In 1993, the Food and Nutrition Board of the Institute of Medicine, National Academy of Sciences (FNB), held a symposium entitled "Should the Recommended Dietary Allowances Be Revised?" A scientific review process started shortly thereafter, and has included extensive review of the literature by committees of experts from Canada and the USA, Health Canada and the National Academy of Sciences. Through the scientific review process several volumes of Dietary Reference Intakes Reports have been produced and are available from the National Academy of Sciences.

Dietary Reference Intakes reflect current science of nutrient requirements and will replace the Recommended Nutrient Intakes (RNIs) previously used in Canada and the Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDAs) previously used in the United States. Health Canada is using the DRIs in the development of dietary guidance for the general population and for specific life stages and in the development and revision of nutrition policies and regulations. The DRIs will also be used in dietary assessment as Health Canada strives to understand the current nutrient intakes and dietary patterns of Canadians. It is anticipated that similar steps will be taken to translate the DRIs into public policy in United States.

In the spring of 2001, a meeting with Health Canada and representative of the various Colleges and dietetics regulatory bodies confirmed that translation of DRIs for clinical practice is the responsibility of the professional associations.

Following an initial national conference on Dietary Reference Intakes in 1998, Dietitians of Canada asked its members and other health professionals "What would be required to support incorporation of DRIs into practice". Education was a top priority, followed by tools needed for practice. Since 1998, presentations on DRIs at national conferences and regional events have raised awareness of the pending changes in nutrient requirements. This spring, Dietitians of Canada resolved to develop an in-depth education program for food, nutrition, and health professionals, with a wide geographic reach, easy access, and low cost. In order to accomplish these goals, we contracted a leading expert in the application and uses of DRIs, appointed an expert advisory committee to guide course development, and employed proven, widely used internet technology to deliver an inter-active course suited to adult learners.

We have endeavoured to remain true to the information included in the DRI reports produced to date and have based course content on the publications of the National Academy of Sciences and Health Canada.

To learn more about the development of DRIs, visit the Health Canada web site at http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/hppb/nutrition/factsheets/index.html and http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/hppb/nutrition/factsheets/fs_implement.html#1.