The recommended daily allowance, RDA, describes an ideal amount of food intake that typically corresponds with some aspect of health. The RDA for calories is a recommendation for the optimal intake of calories to prevent weight gain and maintain healthy body function. It varies between individuals because of age, sex, height, physical activity and weight, which all impact your daily energy needs, according to the American Society for Nutrition.
Males
The American Society for Nutrition says males ages 11 to 15, who average 99 lbs. and are 62 inches tall, need 2,500 kcal/day. For males between the ages of 25 to 50, with average weight of 174 lbs, and an average height of 70 inches it's 2,900. The Institute of Medicine says males over the age of 18, with an average height of 70 inches and a mean body weight of 154 lbs., need 3,067. The Institute of Medicine says the peak of physical activity and growth occurs around age 18, so more calories are needed at this stage of development.
Females
The American Society for Nutrition says females aged 11 to 14, with an average weight of 101 lbs. and a mean height of 62 inches, need 2,200 kcal/day. A woman between the ages of 25 and 50, with an average weight of 138 lbs. and height of 64 inches, needs 2,200. The Institute of Medicine recommends that women with an average weight of 126 lbs. and a height of 64 inches and over the age of 18 need 2400 kcal/day. Women enter puberty earlier than males, which is why female calorie needs are relatively stable throughout their life. Physical activity is highest around age 18, so calorie needs are slightly higher.
Infants/Children
The American Society for Nutrition says infants between 6 months and 1 year old with an average weight of 20lbs. and height of 28 inches need approximately 850 kcal/day. Children between the ages of 4 to 6, with an average weight of 44 lbs. and height of 44 inches, need 1,800. The Institute of Medicine says children between the ages of zero and 6 months need between 520 and 570 kcal/day. Infants between 7 and 12 months need approximately 676 to 743, and children between the ages of 1 and 2 need roughly 992 to 1,046 kcal/day. The Institute of Medicine also says children between the age of 3 and 8 need approximately 1,642 to 1,742 kcal/day. There is some difference between the two recommending groups, but it's marginal.
References
- American Society for Nutrition: Energy
- Institute of Medicine: Dietary Reference Intakes for Energy, Carbohydrate, Fiber, Fat, Fatty Acids, Cholesterol, Protein, and Amino Acids
- United States Department of Agriculture: Dietary Supplements
- Office of Dietary Supplements: Nutrient Recommendations - Dietary Reference Intakes
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