Question

Given is a group of individuals. Based on current recommendations for Niacin (RDA) arrange them in the order of lowest requirements to highest requirements.
(A) Man moderate work
(B) Boys 16-18 years
(C) Girl 13-15 years
(D) Girl 10-12 years
(E) Boy 7-9 years
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

• A. (C), (E), (B), (A), (D).
• B. (D), (B), (E), (C), (A).
• C. (B), (A), (D), (C), (E).
• D. (E), (D), (C), (A), (B).

Hint:

To arrange these groups quickly, associate the nutrient requirements with the metabolic and physical activity demands of each age group.
Adolescent boys (16-18 years) often have higher energy requirements than moderately active adult men, resulting in a higher niacin requirement.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Niacin (vitamin B3) requirements are directly proportional to total daily energy intake.
The ICMR-NIN (2020) guidelines recommend an intake of 6.6 mg of niacin equivalents per 1000 kcal of energy.
Therefore, the group with the highest energy requirements also has the highest niacin requirements.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Let us evaluate the energy and niacin requirements for each group from lowest to highest:
- (E) Boy 7–9 years: Energy requirement is lower due to smaller body size, resulting in a niacin requirement of approximately 11 mg/day. (Lowest)
- (D) Girl 10–12 years: Niacin requirement is approximately 13 mg/day.
- (C) Girl 13–15 years: Niacin requirement is approximately 14 mg/day.
- (A) Man moderate work: Energy requirement is around 2710 kcal/day, resulting in a niacin requirement of approximately 18 mg/day.
- (B) Boys 16–18 years: Energy requirement is very high (around 2860 kcal/day) due to rapid adolescent growth, resulting in a niacin requirement of approximately 19 mg/day. (Highest)
Arranging these groups from lowest to highest requirements yields the sequence: (E), (D), (C), (A), (B).
Therefore, option (D) is the correct sequence.

Step 3: Final Answer:
The correct order of niacin requirements from lowest to highest is (E) Boy 7–9 years, (D) Girl 10–12 years, (C) Girl 13–15 years, (A) Man moderate work, and (B) Boys 16–18 years.