An analysis of indifference curves and areas from a human nutrition perspective

TL;DR

This paper explores how the thresholds of nutrient intake, such as RDA and UL, create indifference areas that should be incorporated into microeconomic models to better reflect nutritional realities.

Contribution

It introduces the concept of indifference areas based on nutrient thresholds and suggests their inclusion in microeconomic models for improved accuracy.

Findings

Nutrients have RDA and UL thresholds affecting health.

Indifference areas exist between these thresholds.

Incorporating these areas improves economic models.

Abstract

Through documentary research and interviews with nutrition experts, we found that all nutrients have two thresholds, the Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) and the Tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL). Intake less than the RDA or more than the UL negatively affects health. Intake quantities of nutrients within these limits covers 100% of the objective physiological needs without negative repercussions. These characteristics, and others, are common knowledge among nutrition experts; however, these are not adequately reflected in the microeconomics models that study these needs. We conclude that the generalized presence of these thresholds determines the existence of significant indifference areas that should be added to the microeconomics models of the indifference curves, thus improving the modelling of reality.