Final answer:
The Daily Values are a simplified version of the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA), which is meant to meet the needs of 97.5% of the population. DV percentages help consumers understand the nutrient content of foods in relation to a standard 2,000 Calorie diet.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Daily Values (DV) are a simplified version of the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA). The RDA represents a daily intake level that is sufficient to meet the nutrient requirements of nearly all (97.5%) healthy individuals in a particular life stage and gender group. This figure is used by professionals to assess the quality of an individual's diet and is calculated using the Estimated Average Requirement (EAR), which is the average requirement for 50% of the population.
The Estimated Average Requirement (EAR) is the starting point for setting the RDA. Without applicable research to set an EAR, an RDA cannot be established. The Adequate Intake (AI) is used when not enough information is available to establish an EAR, and the Tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL) or simply "upper limit," represents the maximum daily intake that is unlikely to cause adverse health effects.
When looking at the percent daily values on a food label, nutrients with values of 5% or less suggest they are low in the food, while values of 20% or more indicate the nutrients are high. By understanding these values, consumers can make informed choices about their nutrient intake in relation to a 2,000 Calorie daily diet, as per FDA guidelines.