Aging and RDA Needs

You have probably seen the term RDA (recommended dietary allowance) which can be found on the labels of almost all foods, but do you know what it really means? The RDAs were established in 1941 by the Food and Nutrition Board to provide a benchmark for ensuring nutritional adequacy in the United States. The RDAs recommend the minimum amounts of essential vitamins and minerals needed to protect healthy groups of people against certain diseases related to nutrient deficiencies. RDAs have been established for protein, 11 vitamins, and 7 minerals.

The RDAs have a number of limitations. First, the RDAs for people age 51 and older are extrapolated from studies of younger populations rather than being based on studies of older populations. Second, the diversity of the older population makes the singular recommendation for older adults problematic. The lifestyle of an active 70 year old differs considerably from that of a 90 year old nursing home resident and they are likely to have different nutritional needs. Third, the RDAs are based on healthy populations, adjustments are not provided to address the nutritional needs of those affected by illness, stress, chronic use of drugs, or other factors. Finally, the RDA levels are not adjusted for drug-diet or nutrient-diet interactions. Clearly, the RDAs may not be the best guide for successful aging in the 21st century.