Final Answer:
The reference value used in planning a healthy diet that is NOT a good index of its nutritional quality is Acceptable Macronutrient Distribution Range (AMDR).Thus the option C. Acceptable Macro nutrient Distribution Range (AMDR) is correct.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Acceptable Macronutrient Distribution Range (AMDR) is a set of values for the percentage of total energy intake that should come from macronutrients (carbohydrates, fats, and proteins). While it provides a broad guideline for macronutrient distribution, it does not inherently assess the overall nutritional quality of a diet.
Unlike other reference values such as the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) or Adequate Intake (AI), which focus on specific nutrient requirements, the AMDR primarily addresses the distribution of macronutrients in the diet. Therefore, it may not adequately capture the comprehensive nutritional profile necessary for assessing diet quality.
The AMDR sets broad ranges for the percentage of total energy intake from carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. For example, it might recommend that 45-65% of total calories come from carbohydrates. However, this does not consider the types of carbohydrates or fats consumed, nor does it address the micronutrient content of the diet.
Nutritional quality involves not only meeting macronutrient needs but also ensuring an adequate intake of essential vitamins, minerals, and other micronutrients. Therefore, while the AMDR is valuable for guiding macronutrient proportions, it should be complemented by other reference values, such as RDAs and AIs, to comprehensively evaluate the nutritional quality of a diet.
Thus the option C. Acceptable Macro nutrient Distribution Range (AMDR) is correct.