Estimated average requirements — EARs — are the amounts of particular nutrients estimated to meet the needs of half the healthy individuals in a population group. Set below the recommended intakes that cover nearly everyone, the EAR is the statistician’s midpoint: the intake at which 50% of people get enough and 50% do not. Its power is in assessing populations — if a group’s median intake sits below the EAR, deficiency is likely widespread — and in setting the recommended values above it. The EAR is not a personal target; individuals should aim for the higher recommended intake. The concept underpins the whole dietary-reference framework, turning the biology of nutrient needs into the cut-points that surveys, fortification programmes, and guidelines all depend on.