Which recommendation represents nutrient intake values that vary by age and sex?

The Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) is indeed a set of nutrient intake values that varies by age and sex. This is because nutritional needs change based on a person's life stage and sex due to factors such as growth, development, and biological differences. For instance, children, adolescents, adults, and the elderly have differing requirements to support their respective health needs.

The RDA provides specific guidelines for the average daily intake level necessary to meet the nutrient requirements of nearly all healthy individuals in a specific age and sex group. This tailored approach helps ensure that dietary recommendations are relevant and applicable to different segments of the population.

In contrast, other nutrient intake values like Adequate Intake (AI), Daily Values (DVs), and Estimated Average Requirement (EAR) may not specify the same level of detail by age and sex. While AI can also vary, it is typically used when there is insufficient evidence to set an RDA. DVs are more generalized and used primarily on food labeling, not differentiated by demographic factors. Similarly, EAR represents the level where 50% of the population would have sufficient intake but does not specifically cater to individual age or sex requirements as thoroughly as the RDA does.