What do tolerable upper intake levels (ULs) help individuals avoid?

Tolerable upper intake levels (ULs) are specifically established to identify the maximum daily intake of a nutrient that is unlikely to cause harmful effects in almost all individuals in the general population. The primary goal of ULs is to prevent adverse health effects that can arise from excessive intake of certain nutrients, whether from food, supplements, or fortified products.

For instance, consuming vitamins or minerals beyond their UL can lead to toxicity or other negative health effects; examples include liver damage from an excess of vitamin A or hypercalcemia from too much calcium. By adhering to ULs, individuals can ensure they stay within a safe range of nutrient intake, thus minimizing the risk of toxicity or negative side effects associated with excessive consumption.

The other options address different aspects of nutrient intake: underconsumption of nutrients relates to insufficient intake, exceeding caloric intake pertains to overall energy balance rather than specific nutrients, and deficiencies in vitamins focus on inadequate amounts rather than excessive amounts.