# Recommended Daily Intakes

## What Are Recommended Daily Intakes? [#what-are-recommended-daily-intakes]

Recommended Daily Intakes are scientifically established reference values representing required daily nutrient consumption to maintain health and prevent deficiency. These values serve as benchmarks for:

- **Nutrition Labeling**: Helping consumers understand how foods contribute to their daily nutritional needs
- **Public Health Guidance**: Informing dietary recommendations and national nutrition programs
- **Product Development**: Guiding food manufacturers in fortification and reformulation efforts
- **Clinical Practice**: Supporting healthcare professionals in patient counseling and meal planning
- **Consumer Education**: Enabling people to make informed dietary choices

<Mermaid chart={`
graph LR
    A[Recommended<br/>Daily Intakes] --> B[Nutrition labeling<br/>% Daily Value]
    A --> C[Public health<br/>Dietary Guidelines]
    A --> D[Clinical practice<br/>patient counseling]
    A --> E[Product development<br/>fortification standards]
`} />

## Regulatory Framework [#regulatory-framework]

### United States of America [#united-states-of-america]

**Regulatory Authority**: [Food and Drug Administration (FDA)](https://www.fda.gov/food/nutrition-facts-label/daily-value-nutrition-and-supplement-facts-labels)

**Key Features**:
- Distinguishes between RDI (micronutrients) and DRV (macronutrients) for labeling
- Based on 2,000 calorie reference diet for adults
- Updates implemented in 2020 reflecting current nutrition science

**Scientific Basis**: [National Institutes of Health (NIH) - Dietary Reference Intakes](https://ods.od.nih.gov/Health_Information/Dietary_Reference_Intakes.aspx)

For comprehensive US FDA daily value requirements, see [FDA Daily Values](/docs/guide/concepts/recommended-daily-intakes/fda-daily-values).

## Related Concepts [#related-concepts]

- [Nutrient](/docs/guide/concepts/nutrient) - Understanding the different types of nutrients
- [FDA Daily Values](/docs/guide/concepts/recommended-daily-intakes/fda-daily-values) - US-specific RDI and DRV standards
- [Nutrition Fact](/docs/guide/concepts/nutrition-fact) - How nutrients appear on food labels
- [Serving Size](/docs/guide/concepts/serving-size) - Standardized quantities for nutrition labeling

## Official Resources [#official-resources]

- [FDA - Daily Value on Nutrition Labels](https://www.fda.gov/food/nutrition-facts-label/daily-value-nutrition-and-supplement-facts-labels)
- [NIH Office of Dietary Supplements - Dietary Reference Intakes](https://ods.od.nih.gov/Health_Information/Dietary_Reference_Intakes.aspx)
- [21 CFR 101.9 - Nutrition Labeling of Food](https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/chapter-I/subchapter-B/part-101/subpart-A/section-101.9)