Daily Recommended Intakes & Upper Limits

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This table lists out the DRI (Daily Recommended Intakes) and UL (Upper Limits) from the National Academy of Medicine (formerly known as the Institute of Medicine) which much of the info can be found here or by searching for DRI.

I also recommend you check out the DRI Calculator for Health Professionals (don’t worry it doesn’t take a medical degree) to get tailored DRI values for you and your body.

If you are pregnant or breast feeding then I highly recommend the calculator since your needs are different.

The Importance of DRI and UL

Understanding the Daily Recommended Intakes (DRI) and Upper Limits (UL) is crucial for optimizing health and preventing nutritional imbalances. The DRI represents the average daily intake level of essential nutrients that meets the needs of most healthy individuals, while the UL refers to the maximum daily intake unlikely to cause adverse health effects.

NutrientDRI (Men)DRI (Women)ULDeficiencyExcess
Calcium1,000 mg/day (19-50); 1,200 mg/day (71+)1,000 mg/day (19-50); 1,200 mg/day (51+)2,500 mg/day (19-50); 2,000 mg/day (51+)Osteoporosis; bone fractures; Tingling in mouth or lips; Confusion; Depression; SeizuresKidney stones; Abnormal heartbeat; Confusion; Nausea; Thirst
Chloride2,300 mg/day (19-50); 2,000 mg/day (50-70); 1,800 mg/day (70+)Same for women3,600 mg/dayRare; Heart Disease; Lung Disease; Fluid imbalanceKidney, heart, and bone damage, coma/death.
Choline550 mg/day425 mg/day3,500 mg/dayLiver damage; Muscle damage; Cognitive declineFishy body odor; vomiting; liver damage; low blood pressure.
Copper900 mcg/day900 mcg/day10,000 mcg/dayAnemia; Bone abnormalities;Cardiovascular problemsKidney, liver, nerve damage; gastrointestinal issues.
Fluoride4 mg/day3 mg/day10 mg/dayIncreased risk of dental cavitiesHeart issues; Cardiac arrest; nausea; tremors; fluorosis; diarrhea; vomiting
Folic Acid400 mcg/day400 mcg/day1,000 mcg/day (synthetic)Megaloblastic anemia; increased risk of neural tube defectsMask a vitamin B12 deficiency (nerve, spinal cord, and brain damage); potential cancers.
Iodine150 mcg/day150 mcg/day1,100 mcg/dayGoiter; hypothyroidismThyroid dysfunction; Hyperthyroidism; Goiter; Rash; Stomach issues
Iron8 mg/day18 mg/day (19-50); 8 mg/day (51+)45 mg/dayAnemia; weakness; pale skin; shallow breathing; headachesOrgan damage; Depression; Gastrointestinal issues.
Magnesium400 mg/day (19-30); 420 mg/day (31+)310 mg/day (19-30); 320 mg/day (31+)350 mg/day (supplements only)Muscle cramps; sleep disorders; migrains; osteoporosisDiarrhea and Abdominal discomfort; Digestive issues, Lethargy; Irregular heartbeat.
Manganese2.3 mg/day1.8 mg/day11 mg/dayPoor bone health; wound healing; skin rashes; hair lossNeurological issues; Hallucinations;Tremors; Difficulty walking; Facial muscle spasms; Irritability.
Molybdenum45 mcg/day45 mcg/day2,000 mcg/dayVery rare/difficult; seizures; severe brain damageGout-like symptoms.
Phosphorus700 mg/day700 mg/day4,000 mg/day (up to 70); 3,000 mg/day (over 70)Loss of appetite; Bone pain; Muscle weakness; Confusion; Irritability; Respiratory or Heart failure; Numbness; Weak reflexes; seizuresKidney Disease; Heart Disease; Weak Bones; Cramps; Nausea.
Selenium55 mcg/day55 mcg/day400 mcg/dayKeshan disease (arthritis, heart disease); Hair loss; Joint pain; HypothyroidismNausea; Hair/nail loss; Foul breath; fatigue; gastrointestinal issues.
Sodium1,500 mg/day (19-50); 1,300 mg/day (51-70); 1,200 mg/day (71+)Same for women2,300 mg/dayMuscle cramps; Nausea; SiezersHypertension; Cardiovascular disease; Cancers; Fatigue.
Vitamin A900 mcg/day700 mcg/day3,000 mcg/dayNight blindness; dry skin; immune dysfunction; Liver damage; Join painBlurred vision; Muscle pain; Hair loss; Liver damage; Dry skin; Yellow skin
Vitamin B3 (Niacin)16 mg/day14 mg/day35 mg/day (supplements only)Dementia; Dermatitis; Diarrhea; Insomnia; Apathy; ConfusionNerve damage; Sensory neuropathy; Coordination issues; Abdominal pain; Burning or tingling
Vitamin B61.3 mg/day (19-50); 1.7 mg/day (51+)1.3 mg/day (19-50); 1.5 mg/day (51+)100 mg/dayLiver damage; CVD; Diabetes; Gout; gastrointestinal issues; Itching; Rapid heartbeat; SeizuresNerve damage; Sensory neuropathy; Coordination issues; Abdomin pain; Burning or tingling
Vitamin C90 mg/day75 mg/day2,000 mg/dayFatigue; Gum disease; Easy bruisingGastrointestinal disturbances; Increased risk of kidney stones.
Vitamin D15 mcg/day (1-70); 20 mcg/day (70+)15 mcg/day (1-70); 20 mcg/day (70+)100 mcg/day (4,000 IU)Rickets (in children); osteomalacia (in adults);Hypercalcemia; Kidney damage; Bone pain; Excessive urination and thirst; Confusion; Depressiion
Vitamin E15 mg/day (22.4 IU)15 mg/day (22.4 IU)1,500 IU/day (1,000 mg)Neuromuscular issues; Loss of feeling; Vission problems; Heart issues; Impaired immune response;Hemorrhagic stroke; Nausea; Thyroid problems; Fatigue.
Vitamin K120 mcg/day90 mcg/dayNot EstablishedNot EstablishedRare. Jaundice; Interfere with medications; Hemolytic anemia;
Omega-3 Fatty Acids1,600 mg/day1,100 mg/dayNot establishedDry skin; Poor concentration; Mood disorders; Inflammation; Hair thinning and loss; Joint pain; High cholesterol and triglycerides; Eczema; RashesIncrease bleeding risk with anticoagulants
Zinc11 mg/day8 mg/day40mgImpaired immune function; Hair loss; Delayed wound healing; Growth issues with children.Neurological problems; Nausea; Dizziness; Headaches; Upset stomach; Vomiting; Loss of appetite; Lethargy; Fatigue; Interference with copper absorption.

More to come…


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Daily Recommended Intakes & Upper Limits

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