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RDA vs. DRI vs. AMDR: what's the difference?
These three acronyms show up constantly in nutrition coursework and are easy to confuse — here's how they actually relate to each other.
| Term | What it is |
|---|---|
| DRI (Dietary Reference Intakes) | The umbrella term for the whole set of nutrient reference values published by the U.S. National Academies — RDA and AMDR are both types of DRI. |
| RDA (Recommended Dietary Allowance) | A specific daily intake target (usually for vitamins, minerals, and protein) sufficient to meet the needs of nearly all healthy people in a group. |
| AMDR (Acceptable Macronutrient Distribution Range) | A percentage-of-calories range (not a single number) for protein, fat, and carbohydrate associated with reduced chronic disease risk while meeting nutrient needs. |
In short: DRI is the category, RDA is a single-number target used mainly for micronutrients and protein, and AMDR is a range used specifically for the three macronutrients.[1]
Keep reading: How much protein per day · How many carbs per day · Full glossary