What are DRIs and why are they preferred? Why are they not on food labels?

DRIs is the general term for a set of reference values or guidelines that are used to plan and asses nutrient intakes of healthy people. These values which vary by age and gender include:

- Recommended Dietary allowance (RDA) : average daily level of intake sufficient to meet nutrient requirements of about 97 - 98% of healthy people.

-Adequate intake (AI) : established when evidence is not sufficient to develop an RDA and is set at a level assumed to ensure nutritional adequacy.

- Tolerable Upper Intake (UL) : Maximum daily intake unlikely to cause adverse health effects.

DRIs are not necessarily found on labels because there is no law requiring that they must be placed there.