What is the difference between dietary guidelines and recommended daily allowances?

The Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDAs) are a subgroup of the system of Dietary Reference Intakes. The different DRIs include RDAs, Adequate Intakes (AI), Estimated Energy Requirements (EERs), and Tolerable Upper Intake Levels (UIs).

Recommended Dietary Allowance is based on meeting the needs of about 97% of the population in a particular age and gender group. Getting below 70% of the RDA of a nutrient is a cause for concern.