Dietary Reference Intake
Dietary Reference Intake (DRI) is the umbrella framework of nutrient recommendations used in the United States and Canada. It includes the Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA), Adequate Intake (AI), Estimated Average Requirement (EAR), and Tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL).
Why It Matters
Most people only ever hear about the RDA, but the DRI framework also includes the EAR (the intake that meets needs of half a population) and the UL (the upper safety threshold). For protein, no UL has been set because there is no consistent evidence of harm at high intakes in healthy people with normal kidney function.
The DRI matters in supplement marketing because Daily Values printed on Nutrition Facts panels derive from these reference numbers. Knowing the framework helps you read labels skeptically rather than treating the printed percentages as personalized goals.
How to Spot It on a Label
Nutrition Facts panels print % Daily Value tied to DRI reference values. Protein DV is 50g; calcium 1300mg; vitamin C 90mg. These are general references for a 2000 calorie adult diet, not individualized targets for athletes.
Examples from real products
Related Terms
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