What are Daily Values vs RDAs-Recommended Daily Allowances?
DVs - Daily Values...
are the values you see on Food Labels. They are set and regulated by US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
and the "%DV" helps consumers determine if the food they buy has a little or a lot of a nutrient and be better
able to compare food products and make more informed choices.
These values are set to reflect the dietary needs of the general public at large
for ages 4 and above. The Daily Value actually is comprised of several values
simplified for consumers into one term. The Percent Daily Value is based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
Some labels may also include percentages based on a 2500 calorie diet. A food that has 12g of fat per serving would state on the label that the "% Daily Value" for fat is
18%.
For more information on how to read and interpret food labels visit US FDA Consumer Information.
RDAs - Recommended Daily Allowances...
are values set by the National Academy of Sciences. The National Academy of Sciences advises government agencies on nutritional science for use in public policy. In their publications called
Dietary Reference Intakes, they make recommendations such as the following:
RDAs - Recommended Daily Allowances for several nutrients broken down into gender, age, and other applicable conditions.
UL - Upper Limits which are maximum levels of daily nutrient intake that is likely to pose no risk of adverse effects.
Unless otherwise specified, the UL represents total intake from food, water, and
supplements.
AMDR - ( Acceptable Macronutrient Distribution Range ) A safe range of intake of a nutrient that provides an essential purpose, but where
outside of that range may produce a risk of chronic disease and/or deficiency.
For more information on RDAs, AMDRs, ULs and Dietary Reference Intakes visit USDA Library - Dietary Guidance.