What are RDAs (Recommended Daily Allowances) for Vitamins, minerals and other nutrients?
These were created as a ‘safety net’, with the specific purpose of preventing deficiency diseases like scurvy, pellagra and beriberi. Over the years the authorities have changed these numbers slightly and have added a few more nutrients but has only recently recognized that individuals have different needs. Smokers, drinkers and the old, for example have increased needs for individual nutrients. Basically the RDA’s were created to keep away deficiency diseases not to support optimal health or reversing existing disorders, which is what nutritional therapists are concerned with.
