Ever wondered how nutrition experts decide how much protein, vitamins, or minerals we need to stay healthy? The answer lies in Dietary Reference Values (DRVs).
DRVs are science-based benchmarks used across Europe to guide food policies, nutrition labels, and dietary advice. They’re not personal diet plans—but they shape the recommendations we see every day, from school meals to the back of food packages.
Set by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), DRVs cover:
✔️ Energy needs
✔️ Macronutrients like carbs, fats, protein, fiber, and water
✔️ Essential vitamins and minerals such as vitamin D, iron, calcium, and iodine
Because nutrition science evolves, DRVs are regularly updated. In fact, EFSA reviewed the safe upper limit for vitamin E as recently as 2024.
Discover more in the article “What are dietary reference values (DRVs) used for in nutrition?” written in collaboration between Zero Hidden Hunger EU and EUFIC.
