The new reference daily intakes: for better or for worse?

The introduction of the RDIs was well intentioned. However, there are scientific uncertainties and reasons for concerns about the proposed new nutrition standards. Adoption of the RDIs will inevitably lead to reduced intakes of critically important vitamins and minerals, will make it more difficult for members of nutritionally vulnerable groups to meet their nutrient needs, and will have undesirable effects on the health of the most needy by altering nutrition priorities and programs in this country. National nutrition standards remain with us for a long time. The U.S. RDAs have been in place for 18 years; any new standards need to be sound enough and safe enough to last as long. The proposed RDIs are clearly not of this caliber.