LARN is an acronym for “Livelli d’assunzione di riferimento di nutrienti ed energia per la popolazione italiana” (dietary reference values for nutrients and energy for Italians).

The previous 2014 LARN have been completely revised based on a sytematic review of the literature published in the last 10 years. The 2024 fifth edition of LARN is the result of five years of work of around one hundred fifty researchers and experts, divided into working groups.

A set of nutrient reference values are used which include average requirements (AR), population reference intakes (PRIs), adequate intakes (AIs), reference intake (RIs) ranges for macronutrients, suggested dietary targets (SDT) and Tolerable Upper Intake Levels (UL).

More attention has been paid to the use of LARN in human nutrition not only at the population but also at the individual level, in older adults, vegetarians, etc. A predominantly plant-based diet is expected to be encouraged in line with available Dietary Guidelines for Italians.

An English version will be made available in the next months.