The research recommendations from the eight reports on Dietary Reference Intakes (DRI; IOM 1997–2005), have been entered into a database to provide ready access to this material. This includes the six DRI nutrient reports and the two DRI application reports (see below). Note that the database was derived from the DRI reports and does not contain new information. The database is in the form of a Microsoft Access file and a Microsoft Excel file; both files are available on the IOM project website. The MSAccess file contains all of the research recommendations in ways that are easily accessible; the database can easily be searched by experienced MSAccess users. The MSExcel file contains all of the research recommendations plus other information but the accessibility of this information is limited by the capabilities of MSAccess.

Downloading and Usage Instructions

Save the files to your computer as follows: click each file; this takes you to a webpage for that file; click START DOWNLOAD; select the SAVE option; in the Save As popup window choose an appropriate place to save the files on your computer. You will probably want to save both the MSAccess file (.mdb) and the MSExcel file (.xls). You may choose to download this Accompanying Text file (.pdf), as well. It is highly recommended that the "Accompanying Text" file is printed to use as a resource when navigating the database files.

If you wish to view the database using Microsoft Access:

If you are an experienced MSAccess user:
Open the MSAccess file that you have just saved to your computer.
Under Objects/Tables open the DRI Recommendations table. This is the database and you can use the functions of MSAccess to view the data. We have created common Queries and Reports you may wish to view as described below.
If you come across a Research Recommendation ID Code that is not in the MSAccess database, look in the DRI-Other Text tab in the MSExcel file as described below.

If you are a novice MSAccess user:
Open the MSAccess File that you have just saved to your computer.
Under Objects/Reports you will see numerous lists we created for common queries. Open or print any of these lists to view the selected data. Since we created over 100 lists, you may wish to use the Groups function to view lists in specific categories. THIS IS THE EASIEST WAY TO VIEW DATABASE ENTRIES. To view all of the research recommendations related to calcium, click on the Report named Calcium List; to view all of the Major Knowledge Gaps related to calcium, click on the Report named Calcium List, Major. For any list you can right-click and choose print, or double click to open and view the list.

If you wish to view the database using Microsoft Excel:

Open the MSExcel file that you have just saved to your computer. The first tab (DRI Recommendations) is the database and you can view the entries using the functions of MSExcel. Note that there is not a convenient way to print this tab in MSExcel, however the additional tabs are designed to print easily. MSAccess is the best way to view and print the database entries as reports.

Please see the PDF titled "Accompanying Text" for these instructions on downloading and linking the files, as well as additional details about the database.