Final answer:
If an individual's nutrient intake equals the EAR, it means their intake is estimated to meet the dietary needs of 50% of people in their demographic, serving as an average benchmark. The EAR helps in establishing the RDA, which aims to cover the needs of nearly all people in a demographic group.
Step-by-step explanation:
When an individual's nutrient intake equals the Estimated Average Requirement (EAR), it means that the person's intake is at a level that is estimated to meet the nutritional needs of 50% of the individuals in a similar age and gender group. It is essentially the average requirement, providing a benchmark for assessing whether a population's average intake meets its nutritional needs. The EAR is used as a reference point to calculate the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA), which sets the higher nutrient intake level that is sufficient to meet the needs of nearly all (97.5%) individuals in a particular age and gender group. It's important to note that while meeting the EAR may be adequate for half of the population, it doesn't guarantee nutrient adequacy for an individual, as individual requirements may vary.