# FDA Daily Values: RDI vs DRV



FDA Daily Values consist of two distinct standards — RDI for vitamins and minerals and DRV for macronutrients — that together produce the % Daily Value figures printed on every US Nutrition Facts label. Both are defined in 21 CFR § 101.9 and anchored to a 2,000-calorie reference diet for adults and children aged 4 and older.

What are FDA Daily Values and why do they exist? [#what-are-fda-daily-values-and-why-do-they-exist]

This guide focuses specifically on **United States of America implementation** of recommended daily intakes through FDA regulations. For a broader understanding of the universal concept of recommended intakes, see [Recommended Daily Intakes](/docs/guide/concepts/recommended-daily-intakes).

How does the US implement Daily Values on nutrition labels? [#how-does-the-us-implement-daily-values-on-nutrition-labels]

The "% Daily Value" on US nutrition labels represents a percentage based on two distinct FDA standards:

* **RDI (Reference Daily Intake)**: For vitamins and minerals (29 micronutrients, 4 mandatory)
* **DRV (Daily Reference Value)**: For macronutrients and food components (8 nutrients, all mandatory)

Together, these standards form what consumers know as "**Daily Values**" (DV).

Understanding the distinction between RDI and DRV matters for:

* **Regulatory Compliance**: Accurate nutrition labeling requirements under FDA regulations
* **Consumer Education**: Helping people interpret US nutrition labels correctly
* **Product Development**: Reformulating products to meet nutritional goals for the US market

<Mermaid
  chart="`
%%{init: {'theme':'base', 'themeVariables': {'lineColor':'#9ca3af'}}}%%
graph TD
  A[Daily Value DV] --> B[RDI<br/>Reference Daily Intake]
  A --> C[DRV<br/>Daily Reference Value]
  B --> D[29 Micronutrients<br/>Vitamins & Minerals]
  C --> E[8 Macronutrients<br/>Protein, Fat, Carbs, etc.]
`"
/>

How do RDI and DRV work together to produce % Daily Value? [#how-do-rdi-and-drv-work-together-to-produce--daily-value]

What is % Daily Value? [#what-is--daily-value]

The &#x2A;*% Daily Value (%DV)** indicates the contribution of a nutrient in a serving of food to a total daily diet. The FDA bases these calculations on a 2,000 calorie reference diet for adults and children 4 years and older.

**%DV Interpretation Guidelines:**

* **5% DV or less** = Low in that nutrient
* **20% DV or more** = High in that nutrient

Nutrients to limit (saturated fat, sodium, added sugars) should have lower %DV values. Nutrients to increase (fiber, calcium, vitamin D) should have higher %DV values.

What is RDI and which vitamins and minerals does it cover? [#what-is-rdi-and-which-vitamins-and-minerals-does-it-cover]

**RDI** represents the daily intake level of essential vitamins and minerals. These are micronutrients the body requires in small amounts but cannot produce independently.

* **Applies to**: 29 micronutrients (4 mandatory, 25 voluntary)
* **Regulatory source**: [21 CFR § 101.9(c)(8)(iv)](https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/chapter-I/subchapter-B/part-101/subpart-A/section-101.9#p-101.9\(c\)\(8\)\(iv\)) - Table 1

Complete RDI Table (Adults & Children ≥4 years) [#complete-rdi-table-adults--children-4-years]

**Mandatory Nutrients (4)**

| Nutrient  | RDI Value | Unit |
| --------- | --------- | ---- |
| Vitamin D | 20        | µg   |
| Calcium   | 1,300     | mg   |
| Iron      | 18        | mg   |
| Potassium | 4,700     | mg   |

**Voluntary Nutrients (25)**

| Nutrient                | RDI Value | Unit            |
| ----------------------- | --------- | --------------- |
| Vitamin A               | 900       | µg RAE          |
| Vitamin C               | 90        | mg              |
| Vitamin E               | 15        | mg α-tocopherol |
| Vitamin K               | 120       | µg              |
| Thiamin (Vitamin B1)    | 1.2       | mg              |
| Riboflavin (Vitamin B2) | 1.3       | mg              |
| Niacin (Vitamin B3)     | 16        | mg NE           |
| Vitamin B6              | 1.7       | mg              |
| Folate                  | 400       | µg DFE          |
| Vitamin B12             | 2.4       | µg              |
| Biotin                  | 30        | µg              |
| Pantothenic Acid        | 5         | mg              |
| Choline                 | 550       | mg              |
| Chromium                | 35        | µg              |
| Copper                  | 0.9       | mg              |
| Iodine                  | 150       | µg              |
| Magnesium               | 420       | mg              |
| Manganese               | 2.3       | mg              |
| Molybdenum              | 45        | µg              |
| Phosphorus              | 1,250     | mg              |
| Selenium                | 55        | µg              |
| Zinc                    | 11        | mg              |
| Chloride                | 2,300     | mg              |
| Sodium                  | 2,300     | mg              |
| Fluoride                | 4         | mg              |

Voluntary nutrients become mandatory when added to a product or a nutrient content claim is made.

What is DRV and which macronutrients does it govern? [#what-is-drv-and-which-macronutrients-does-it-govern]

**DRV** represents the daily intake level of macronutrients and food components that provide energy or affect chronic disease risk.

* **Applies to**: 8 macronutrients and food components
* **Regulatory source**: [21 CFR § 101.9(c)(9)](https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/chapter-I/subchapter-B/part-101/subpart-A/section-101.9#p-101.9\(c\)\(9\)) - Table 2
* **Based on**: 2,000 calorie diet

Complete DRV Table [#complete-drv-table]

| Nutrient           | DRV Value | Unit | Mandatory | Notes                     |
| ------------------ | --------- | ---- | --------- | ------------------------- |
| Total Fat          | 78        | g    | Y         | Based on 35% of calories  |
| Saturated Fat      | 20        | g    | Y         | Less than 10% of calories |
| Cholesterol        | 300       | mg   | Y         | Upper limit               |
| Total Carbohydrate | 275       | g    | Y         | Based on 55% of calories  |
| Dietary Fiber      | 28        | g    | Y         | 14g per 1,000 calories    |
| Added Sugars       | 50        | g    | Y         | Less than 10% of calories |
| Protein            | 50        | g    | Y         | Based on 10% of calories  |
| Sodium             | 2,300     | mg   | Y         | Upper limit (also in RDI) |

**Mandatory (Y)**: Must always appear on Nutrition Facts label.

Which population groups does the FDA define for Daily Value labeling? [#which-population-groups-does-the-fda-define-for-daily-value-labeling]

The FDA defines **4 demographic groups** for nutrition labeling purposes under 21 CFR § 101.9:

| Demographic Group        | Age Range   | Special Notes                            |
| ------------------------ | ----------- | ---------------------------------------- |
| **Adults & Children**    | ≥ 4 years   | Default reference group (2,000 cal diet) |
| **Infants**              | 0-12 months | Separate DV values apply                 |
| **Children**             | 1-3 years   | Separate DV values apply                 |
| **Pregnant & Lactating** | Varies      | Separate DV values apply                 |

<Mermaid
  chart="`
%%{init: {'theme':'base', 'themeVariables': {'lineColor':'#9ca3af'}}}%%
graph LR
  A[FDA Demographics] --> B[Adults & Children ≥4yr]
  A --> C[Infants 0-12mo]
  A --> D[Children 1-3yr]
  A --> E[Pregnant & Lactating]

  B --> F[Default: 2,000 cal]
  C --> G[Specialized DVs]
  D --> H[Specialized DVs]
  E --> I[Specialized DVs]
`"
/>

<Callout type="info">
  Most nutrition labels use the **Adults & Children ≥4 years** values as these represent the general population reference.
</Callout>

What FDA regulations govern Daily Value compliance for food manufacturers? [#what-fda-regulations-govern-daily-value-compliance-for-food-manufacturers]

Where in the CFR are Daily Value tables codified? [#where-in-the-cfr-are-daily-value-tables-codified]

The complete legal framework for Daily Values appears in the Code of Federal Regulations:

* **Primary Regulation**: [21 CFR § 101.9 - Nutrition labeling of food](https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/chapter-I/subchapter-B/part-101/subpart-A/section-101.9)
* **RDI (Table 1)**: [21 CFR § 101.9(c)(8)(iv)](https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/chapter-I/subchapter-B/part-101/subpart-A/section-101.9#p-101.9\(c\)\(8\)\(iv\))
* **DRV (Table 2)**: [21 CFR § 101.9(c)(9)](https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/chapter-I/subchapter-B/part-101/subpart-A/section-101.9#p-101.9\(c\)\(9\))

When do voluntary RDI nutrients become mandatory on the label? [#when-do-voluntary-rdi-nutrients-become-mandatory-on-the-label]

Nutrients marked as voluntary (N) in the tables above become **mandatory** when:

* The nutrient is **added** to the product (fortification)
* A **nutrient content claim** is made (e.g., "High in Vitamin C")
* The product is a **dietary supplement**

**Example**: A cereal fortified with Vitamin C that claims "Excellent Source of Vitamin C" **must** declare Vitamin C on the label with its %DV.

Which BetterMenu concepts relate to FDA Daily Values? [#which-bettermenu-concepts-relate-to-fda-daily-values]

* [Nutrient](/docs/guide/concepts/nutrient) - Understanding the different types of nutrients
* [Nutrition Fact](/docs/guide/concepts/nutrition-fact) - How nutrients appear on food labels
* [Serving Size](/docs/guide/concepts/serving-size) - Standardized quantities for nutrition labeling
* [Recommended Daily Intakes](/docs/guide/concepts/recommended-daily-intakes) - Overview of recommended daily intakes

Where can I find official FDA guidance on Daily Values? [#where-can-i-find-official-fda-guidance-on-daily-values]

What FDA consumer and industry guidance documents cover Daily Values? [#what-fda-consumer-and-industry-guidance-documents-cover-daily-values]

* [Daily Value on the Nutrition and Supplement Facts Labels](https://www.fda.gov/food/nutrition-facts-label/daily-value-nutrition-and-supplement-facts-labels) - Consumer-friendly FDA explanation
* [Changes to the Nutrition Facts Label](https://www.fda.gov/food/food-labeling-nutrition/changes-nutrition-facts-label) - Overview of 2020 label updates

What are the primary legal citations for FDA Daily Value regulations? [#what-are-the-primary-legal-citations-for-fda-daily-value-regulations]

* [Electronic Code of Federal Regulations (eCFR) - Title 21, Part 101.9](https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/chapter-I/subchapter-B/part-101/subpart-A/section-101.9) - Complete regulation text
* [FDA Labeling & Nutrition Guidance Documents](https://www.fda.gov/food/guidance-documents-regulatory-information-topic-food-and-dietary-supplements/labeling-nutrition-guidance-documents-regulatory-information) - Industry guidance