The Dietary Reference Intakes (DRIs), developed between 1994 and 2004, represented a new approach to nutrient reference standards. The DRIs are a set of quantitative reference values that specify adequate as well as tolerable upper levels of intake for a range of nutrients. The values are used widely by health professionals including federal nutrition officials who develop policies and programs, the nutrition research community, and dietitians and health practitioners who counsel individuals and groups.

In order to engage expert research scientists, nutrition practitioners, representatives from U.S. and Canadian government, academia, and industry in discussion on the issues about the development and application of the DRIs, the IOM's Food and Nutrition Board convened a three-day workshop from September 18-20, 2007. The workshop entitled “The Development of DRIs 1994–2004: Lessons Learned and New Challenges” offered an important look into the issues and challenges inherent in the development of nutrient reference values. The lessons learned and the knowledge gained during the workshop will help to guide decisions about the next phase of the DRIs.

The Development of DRIs 1994–2004: Lessons Learned and New Challenges, A Preliminary Workshop Summary reflects the presentations and discussions that took place during the three-day workshop held in September 2007.