When assessing a population's vitamin intake distribution against the EAR, a scientist notes that 35% of individuals fall below the EAR. Using the EAR cut-point method, what is the most valid conclusion about the population?

• A. The prevalence of inadequacy must be 65%, because the RDA is the relevant comparison rather than the EAR.
• B. The entire population meets the vitamin requirement because EAR-based methods are only for individuals, not populations.
• C. Approximately 35% of the population is estimated to have inadequate intakes for that vitamin.
• D. At least 50% of the population is inadequate regardless of the EAR distribution because nutritional status always underestimates intakes.

Answer: (C)