The amount of a nutrient judged sufficient to meet the needs of only the small proportion of the population with the lowest requirements, abbreviated LRNI. Set at two standard deviations below the estimated average requirement, it marks the intake below which deficiency becomes likely for most people. Dietitians use the LRNI as a cut-off when assessing groups: if a large share of a population falls below it, deficiency is probably widespread. It sits below the reference nutrient intake, which covers the needs of nearly everyone. The concept helps policymakers identify at-risk groups and set priorities for fortification, supplementation, and dietary guidance programmes.