Recommended Dietary Allowance

Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) is the average daily dietary intake level that is sufficient to meet the nutrient requirements of nearly all (approximately 98 percent) healthy individuals in a group. It is established by the Food and Nutrition Board of the National Academy of Sciences, and updated periodically.

History

The concept of the RDA was created during World War II by Lydia J. Roberts, Hazel Stiebeling, and Helen S. Mitchell, all part of a committee established by the United States National Academy of Sciences in order to investigate issues of nutrition that might "affect national defense".

Calculation

The RDA is calculated based on the Estimated Average Requirement (EAR). If the EAR cannot be set, no RDA will be set. The EAR is the intake value that meets the nutrient requirements of 50% of the individuals in a life stage and gender group. At this level of intake, the other 50% of the individuals in the group will not have their nutrient needs met.

Uses

The RDA is used to guide people to achieve adequate nutrient intake, to plan and assess diets for groups, and to establish standards for food assistance programs, among other uses.

Criticisms

Some critics argue that the RDA values do not take into account the varying amounts of nutrients needed by different individuals, and that they are not adequate for optimal health.

See also

• Dietary Reference Intake
• Dietary Guidelines for Americans
• Food pyramid (nutrition)

Recommended Dietary Allowance Resources
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