ICMR has revised the nutrient requirements for Indians and has published new RDAs (Recommended Dietary Allowance) in 2020 and the Food Authority has decided to adopt the same. In New RDA rules, it shows an increase in Iron, Zinc, Vitamin A, C, D and Calcium intake for Indian population.
RDA are the levels of intake of the essential nutrients that are judged to be adequate or sufficient to meet the nutrient requirement of nearly all healthy individuals in a particular life stage and gender group. The RDAs are revisited and revised from time to time in view of the changing food habits, physical activity patterns, nutrition transition and health status of various groups.
The RDA of iron is increased to 19 mg from 17 mg for men and 29 mg from 21 mg for women, while Zinc increased to 17mg from 12mg for men and 13.2mg from 10 mg for women.
Same way, Vitamin C is increased to 80 mg from 40 mg for men and 65 mg from 40 mg for women who are not pregnant or lactating mothers.
Vitamin D is increased to 600 IU from 400 IU for men and women.
Vitamin A is increased to 1000 µg for men and 840 µg for women from 600 µg.
Also, Calcium intake is increased to 1000 mg from 600 mg for both men and women.
Notably, Intake of Vitamin E, K, Biotin and pantothenic acid will remain same as per old RDA. The RDA 2020 shall come into force from 1st July, 2023 for compliance. Till such time, Food Businesses may comply with RDA 2010 or RDA 2020. However, from 1st July, 2023, onwards only RDA 2020 shall be in force and compilable by Food Businesses.
Food Agency also clarified that the report submitted by TCMR regarding ‘Tolerable Upper Limits (TUL) of vitamins/ minerals' which has been made available to the public on the FSSAI website on 05.09.2018 is ‘ONLY FOR INFORMATION’ and NOT for use by the Food Businesses.
