Let me be clear about the question I’m trying to answer: Which nutrients—and precisely how much of each nutrient—do I need to be healthy? Because the FDA is in charge of food labeling, they were my first stop. My immediate focus fell upon the DV (Daily Values) and RDIs (Recommended Daily Intakes), both of which have everything to do with the information presented on food labels.

Then I found this statement, attributed to Christine Lewis, director of the division of technical evaluation in the FDA’s Office of Food Labeling: “They’re not recommended intakes. They’re really just reference points to help people get some kind of perspective on what their overall daily dietary needs should be.” Continue reading