RDA - Abbreviation for Recommended Daily Allowance.

An RDA is an established minimum amount of a substance such as a vitamin, fat, etc.,, by the body and is needed in order for proper biochemical or metabolic function.

For example, in terms of vitamins, RDA's have been established to

-avoid confusion in regards to required amounts of a particular vitamin

-Establish a basic guideline for health benefits

and to avoid overdosing (toxicity).

Keep in mind that RDA's are useful numbers so that we don't overdose, but they are only guidelines and oc occasion can be incorrect for:

certain people (genetic variations in metabolism)

and particular situations (ilnesses such as intestinal malabsorption and deficiency)

and lifestyle (overworking the body - sometimes this will dramatically increase the body's requirements for vitamins and even carbohydrates as a fuel source). The RDA is only a guideline, and with good intentions. The RDA keeps things simple, assuming that we are not all well-versed in the sciences behind more accurate calculation of need. But as we learn, we shall see that RDA can vary considerably depending on body weight, sex (male, female), metabolism, lifestyle, genetics, and disease states. Strong variations in these variables can cause deficiencies leading to disease as will cover.