The F.D.A.'s suggestions for the minimal amount of nutrients that should be eaten each day to prevent nutrition-deficiency conditions and diseases. The RDAs are averages for the entire population without adjustment for size (85 lbs. versus 285 lbs.), general health, medical condition, exercise activity levels, lifestyle, individual requirements, etc. In addition, instead of basing the RDAs on scientific research of optimal health, the FDA bases them on calculations of slightly above the averages of what most Americans routinely eat. [See instead: Optimal Daily Allowances