Final answer:
The RDA is designed to be sufficient for 97.5% of the population, based on the EAR, which serves 50% of the population.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) is designed to be sufficient for 97.5% of the population. This value considers a margin of safety beyond the average requirement to ensure that the needs of nearly all individuals in a specific age and gender group are met. The RDA is established based on the Estimated Average Requirement (EAR), which is the nutrient intake value estimated to meet the requirement of 50% of the population. It's essential to have applicable research to determine an EAR before setting an RDA. Percentage of the recommended daily value (%DV) provides guidance on how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet, often based on a 2,000 calorie a day diet.