The Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for vitamins reflects how much of each vitamin most people should get each day. The RDA for vitamins may be used to create each person's goals.

How much of each vitamin you need depends on your age and gender. Other factors, such as pregnancy and illnesses, are also important. Women who are pregnant or breast-feeding need higher amounts. Older adults need lower amounts. Ask your health care provider which amount is best for you.

Infants

• 0 - 6 months: 0.18* grams per day (g/day)
• 7 - 12 months: 0.57* g/day

Children

• 1 - 3 years: 1.5* g/day
• 4 - 8 years: 1.9* g/day
• 9 - 13 years: 2.3* g/day

Adolescents and Adults

• Males and females age 14 to 50 years: 2.3* g/day
• Males and females 51 to 70: 2.0* g/day
• Males and females 71 and over: 1.8* g/day

*Adequate intakes (AI)

The best way to get the daily requirement of essential vitamins is to eat a balanced diet that contains a variety of foods.

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Review Date: 02/15/2011
Reviewed By: Alison Evert, MS, RD, CDE, Nutritionist, University of Washington Medical Center Diabetes Care Center, Seattle, Washington. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)