USRDA - What Does It Mean?

[jmstallard]

I know it stands for United States Recommended Daily Allowance, but what does it really mean? If I'm supposed to get 100% of minerals, vitamins, fiber, etc, does that mean I'm also supposed to get 100% sodium, cholosterol, and fat? Conversely, if I'm supposed to avoid reaching 100% in sodium, cholesterol, and fat, should I also avoid reaching 100% in minerals, vitamins, and fiber?

Common usage of this chart is contradictory, so what's the actual meaning of it? Is 100% the minimum amount needed to properly sustain myself, or is 100% the most I can handle before bad things start to happen?

[FlatlinesUp]

RDA has been changed to RDI (recommended dietary intake) for the most part since about 2000 (year).
They are standards by the USDA for healthy people to maintain their health.
You are supposed to get 100% of the good stuff, and up to 100% of the bad stuff (but less is usually better).
The bad stuff is based on a 2000 calorie diet. Most folks don't get just 2000. Most folks don't NEED 2000. Your daily calorie requirements are based on age, heigth, weight, health and activity level.

It's actually pretty confusing overall. Kids are different than adults who are different than seniors etc. There is no "easy answer" to how to decipher it. Most of the "quick" guides out there are wrong in interpretation. It's much more in depth, which is why a dietitian degree requires 5 years of study, not just a vo-tech class or two... (guess what my wife does.. lol)

You may go to the American Dietetic Association website as it has a better explaination in laymans terms than even the USDA site. It's at: www.eatright.org

Good luck man,
Britt