Evidence appraisal and updates for the 2025 Dietary Reference Intakes for Koreans for calcium
10.4163/jnh.2026.59.2.176
- Author:
Seul Ki CHOI
1
;
Seong-Ah KIM
;
Clara Yongjoo PARK
;
Kirang KIM
Author Information
1. Graduate School of Urban Public Health, University of Seoul, Seoul 02504, Republic of Korea
- Publication Type:Review
- From:Journal of Nutrition and Health
2026;59(2):176-191
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Purpose:The Dietary Reference Intakes for Koreans (KDRIs) serve as a foundation for nutrition policy, nutrition education, and dietary intake evaluation among healthy Koreans.The KDRIs are revised every five years to ensure that the guidelines are based on a robust and up-to-date scientific foundation. For the 2025 KDRIs for calcium, the 2020 KDRIs were revisited, and references were critically evaluated.
Methods:All references cited in the 2020 KDRIs were extracted, reviewed, and organized according to the framework for the estimated average requirement (EAR). Each reference was evaluated based on the participant characteristics, including age, race/ethnicity, and health status, as well as study design, exposure, and outcomes. In addition, calculations for the EAR and Recommended Nutritient Intakes were re-examined for each sex and age group and compared with the current literature.
Results:Major revisions in the 2025 KDRIs were driven by updates in the reference bodyweight, improved consistency in rounding and coefficients of variation, inclusion of studies in East Asian populations, and clarification of the use of calcium balance studies.Nevertheless, further studies in Koreans, particularly in pregnant and lactating women, are needed to strengthen the scientific evidence for the calcium DRI.
Conclusion:The 2025 KDRIs for calcium were revised to be based on more robust logical reasoning and calculation methods. Future research conducted on Korean populations is necessary to define the calcium requirements for Koreans more accurately.
