RDIs

RDIs, short for Reference Daily Intakes, are reference amounts of nutrients used primarily in nutrition labeling to indicate the amount of each nutrient considered sufficient for a typical adult on a daily basis. They function as reference values for calculating the percent Daily Value (%DV) presented on food labels. RDIs are not individualized dietary advice; actual requirements depend on age, sex, body size, health status, and activity level.

Establishment and scope: RDIs are established by regulatory authorities and typically pertain to vitamins and minerals with established recommended intakes. The numeric values are designed to reflect a standard reference diet, often corresponding to a daily energy intake such as 2000 calories. Some nutrients have different RDIs for special populations (e.g., children, pregnant or lactating individuals).

Global context: Different countries use different labeling conventions. In the United States, RDIs appear on Nutrition Facts panels as the basis for the Daily Value, while other regions may use terms such as Nutrient Reference Values (NRVs) or Daily Values with different numeric standards. The concept is related to the broader framework of Dietary Reference Intakes (DRIs), which include estimated average requirements and tolerable upper intake levels.

Uses and limitations: RDIs enable quick product comparisons but are not a guide to intake goals for individuals. They are periodically updated to reflect new nutrition science.