This report, published in April 1998, is the second in the Dietary Reference Intake (DRI) series. It presents a comprehensive set of reference values for the B vitamins and choline, to replace previously published Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDAs), for nutrient intakes for healthy US and Canadian populations. It is a product of the Food and Nutrition Board's (FNB's), Panel on Folate, Choline and Other B vitamins.

This panel reviewed the scientific literature on folate and its synthetic form (folic acid) and on other B vitamins to evaluate human requirements and relationships with chronic conditions, and examined dietary and supplement intake data for these vitamins. The review also included consideration of other food components and factors that affect bioavailability of these nutrients. Based on the analysis of the information, the panel proposed:

• dietary reference intakes that consider both good nutrition throughout the life span and reducing risk of developmental abnormalities and chronic disease and
• research needed to fill the gaps identified.

Based on the panel's findings, the Food and Nutrition Board's Standing Committee on the Scientific Evaluation of Dietary Reference Intakes compared final recommendations and issued the report.