The Brain's Demand: Why High Daily Values Dominate Nootropic Nutrient Labels

Nutrient labels. They're everywhere. On your cereal box, your favorite snack, and even on your favorite nootropic that sits on your cabinet. But have you ever noticed how some labels boast numbers above 100% DV for certain ingredients? Puzzling, right?

The concept of %DV often leaves many scratching their heads.

Daily Values (DVs) act like a navigational tool. As set by the U.S. FDA, these numbers offer a reference point for nutrient consumption compared to a predefined standard. Think of it as a nutritional benchmark.

But here's the twist. It's not uncommon to find nootropics with nutrient levels above 100% DV, but within recommended intake limits. How is that even possible?

Simple. It means that, while these nootropics provide more than the daily suggested amount for average needs, they don't exceed the safe upper intake level.*

Now, let's get a tad technical.

'What exactly is %DV?' you may wonder. Well, it's a simple comparison, really. It tells you how much of a nutrient is in one serving compared to the recommended daily value.

(!) But remember, DV isn't a one-size-fits-all. The FDA has different DV groups, tailored for age and life stage.¹

Take Vitamin C, for example. While women are advised to get 75 mg daily, men have a slightly higher recommendation at 90 mg.

So, the Daily Values were established to provide one number designated on food and dietary supplement labels. In fact, there are four distinct DV categories:

• (1) infants up to 12 months;
• (2) children from 1-3 years;
• (3) adults and children aged 4 and above;
• (4) expectant and breastfeeding women.

What shows up on a label is '%DV,' or the 'daily value percentage' in one serving.

HCF® nootropics typically display %DV for 'adults age 18 and over' unless specified differently on the label. 

DVs vs. RDA. What is the difference?

As explained above, DVs are broad guidelines meant to cover the nutrient needs of about 97% of the general healthy population. They're more of basic guidelines for consumers to understand their intake.

And what about the familiar term RDA (Recommended Dietary Allowance)? Born in 1941, courtesy of the Food and Nutrition Board, RDA has morphed and shifted over the decades. It was introduced as a more specific recommendation tailored to age, gender, and life stage.

Over time, as nutritional science evolved, RDA transformed, leading to the more generalized DVs we see today. Both aim to guide us, but from slightly different angles.

But why the excess in some nootropics?

Simple. Because not all nutrients are created equal. The answer lies in our dietary habits. In fact, studies have shown that many Americans might not meet the recommended intake for specific nutrients.*²

And that's the main reason some nootropics have higher nutrient levels. It is to address potential dietary shortfalls.*

Plus, not all nutrients are absorbed equally. And while some vitamins, like C, have higher established intake limits (up to 1,000% of the DV), other nutrients require a lot more caution.*

For instance, fat-soluble vitamins, which your body stores instead of excreting, can be toxic in very large doses.³ So, the next time you see a nootropic with 250% DV of Vitamin D, it might be a good idea to seek expert advice before using it.*