Expand and explain RDA.

RDA stands for Recommended Dietary Allowance, which represents the average daily level of nutrient intake sufficient to meet the requirements of nearly all healthy individuals within a specific age and gender group. RDAs are established by the Food and Nutrition Board of the National Academy of Medicine (formerly known as the Institute of Medicine) and are based on scientific research and expert consensus.

The RDA values vary for different nutrients and are expressed in specific units (e.g., milligrams, micrograms, or international units) per day. These values are set to ensure that individuals receive adequate amounts of essential nutrients to support normal growth, development, and maintenance of health.

Meeting the RDA for various nutrients helps prevent deficiencies and associated health problems. However, RDAs are not one-size-fits-all recommendations and may need to be adjusted based on individual factors such as age, sex, pregnancy or lactation status, activity level, and specific health conditions.

It's important to note that RDAs are meant to serve as general guidelines for healthy populations and may not apply to individuals with unique nutritional needs or medical conditions. Consulting with a registered dietitian or healthcare provider can help determine personalized nutrient requirements based on individual circumstances.