Are Dietary Reference Intakes (DRIs) Levels High Enough?

Why It's Time to Re-Evaluate Daily Vitamin and Mineral Intake Standards

In recent years, the conversation around nutrition has shifted significantly. With a growing body of research highlighting the role of micronutrients in overall health, there's an increasing need to reassess the existing standards for daily vitamin and mineral intakes. The Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) for vitamins and minerals, established decades ago, may no longer adequately address the nutritional needs of modern populations, particularly in the context of today's lifestyle and dietary patterns.

The Current RDA Levels are Insufficient

The RDA was created as a guideline to prevent deficiency diseases, but it does not necessarily optimize wellbeing or prevent chronic diseases. Research shows that many people, especially in developed countries, do not consume adequate levels of essential vitamins and minerals. This inadequacy is not only a problem in low-income regions but also in wealthier nations due to diets high in energy but low in nutrient density. Paul J. Veugelers, Ph.D. published a paper in which he found that the RDA of Vitamin D should have actually been 8,895 a day, not the 600IU/Day currently reccomended. GrassrootHealth calcuated based on their panel of 48 researchers who were experts in vitamin D, that in order to get 97% of the population to the serum levels fo 40-60 ng/ml, it would take 12,000 IU/day. 

Micronutrient Deficiencies and Their Impact

Globally, an estimated 2 billion people are affected by micronutrient deficiencies. While these deficiencies are more prevalent in developing regions, they are not absent in industrialized countries. Specific groups, such as pregnant women and young children, are particularly vulnerable. These deficiencies can lead to severe health issues, including impaired cognitive function, increased susceptibility to infections, and chronic diseases like cancer, cardiovascular disease, and type 2 diabetes.

In contrast, micronutrient inadequacies—nutrient intake levels that fall below the Estimated Average Requirement (EAR) but above the level causing clinical symptoms—are common in developed countries. Symptoms of these inadequacies might not be immediately apparent but can have significant long-term health consequences.

A Look at the Numbers

A U.S. national survey, NHANES 2007-2010, reveals the high prevalence of micronutrient inadequacies among Americans. For example, 94.3% of the population does not meet the daily requirement for vitamin D, and 88.5% fall short on vitamin E. These gaps highlight a need for updated dietary recommendations that reflect contemporary dietary habits and lifestyle factors.

Furthermore, the 2015-2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans identified several "shortfall nutrients" such as vitamin D, calcium, potassium, and iron, where low intake is associated with adverse health effects. This data underscores the need for a reevaluation of current vitamin and mineral intake recommendations.

Why We Need New Standards

The current RDA guidelines were established based on the prevention of deficiency diseases rather than the promotion of optimal health. Consequently, they do not account for the potential benefits of higher nutrient intakes in preventing chronic diseases and supporting health throughout life. For instance, the role of vitamin D in supporting immune function and reducing cancer risk is gaining recognition, suggesting that higher intakes may be beneficial. There are risks associated with Vitamin D for certain individuals, such as those with granulomas, hyperparathyroidism, and sarcoidosis (1). However, the target range suggested for serum levels has been found to be too low at 20ng/ml, and the consensus among Vitamin D experts is that the target range should be 40-60 ng/ml, and therefore, the 600UI RDA for Vitamin D is too low since it would be able to achieve those higher levels (1).

Dietary Patterns and Nutrient Density

Modern dietary habits, characterized by high consumption of processed and convenience foods, contribute to nutrient inadequacies. Many Americans fail to meet recommended intakes of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and dairy, leading to insufficient intake of vital nutrients. This dietary pattern emphasizes the need for a revised approach to nutrition that encourages nutrient-dense diets tailored to individual needs.Emerging research indicates that optimal nutrient intake may vary based on genetics, lifestyle, and health status. Personalized nutrition, which considers these individual differences, is gaining traction as a more effective approach to achieving optimal health outcomes. This further supports the need for flexible dietary guidelines that accommodate the diverse needs of the population.

Multivitamin Recommendations: CRaNiULS

The CRaNiULS formula is based on the Council for Responsible Nutrition’s (CRN) Upper Level of Supplementation (ULS), which is derived from current scientific research to determine the maximum human consumption of nutrients without adverse effects. The Council for Responsible Nutrition believes that optimal health levels lie closer to their established Upper Levels of Supplementation rather than the Daily Recommended Intakes (DRIs) set forth by the United States Food and Drug Administration. So, with just one CRaNiULS capsule, you're getting 50% of these upper-level nutrients. This means you can feel confident knowing you're not going to overdo it with our multivitamin.

Conclusion

In light of these insights, it is clear that revisiting and updating the standards for vitamin and mineral intakes is crucial. Such changes would not only help prevent deficiencies but also promote long-term health and reduce the risk of chronic diseases. Nutritionists, health professionals, and policymakers must work collaboratively to establish new guidelines that reflect the evolving understanding of nutrition science.

For those passionate about optimizing their health, staying informed about nutrition and advocating for updated standards is essential. By joining forces, we can create a future where nutritional adequacy is the norm, and the full potential of diet in promoting health is realized.

 Key Facts:

• Men need significantly more zinc, magnesium, Vitamin A, and Vitamin C than women do.
• Men need significantly less iron and calcium than women do.
• Pregnant and breastfeeding women in particular need a lot more B vitamins than either men or non-pregnant women. And pregnant women need almost twice as much iron as anyone else.

Sources

1). https://www.grassrootshealth.net/blog/current-recommendations-low/

2). https://www.crnusa.org/newsroom/crn-foundations-new-economic-report-details-billions-potential-savings-us-health-care

3). https://paleoleap.com/trust-rda/