Vitamins and minerals play an essential role in maintaining normal physiological function. They contribute to numerous biological processes, including energy metabolism, immune function, nervous system health, and the maintenance of healthy bones, muscles, and skin.
Since the human body cannot synthesize most vitamins and minerals in sufficient quantities—or store adequate reserves of many essential nutrients—they must be obtained regularly through a balanced diet. In certain situations, dietary supplements can help support adequate nutrient intake.
One of the most common pieces of information displayed on dietary supplement labels is the Nutrient Reference Value (NRV). Understanding these values enables consumers and healthcare professionals to make informed nutritional decisions.
What Does Nutrient Reference Value Mean?
The term represents the amount of a specific vitamin or mineral considered sufficient to meet the daily nutritional requirements of an average healthy adult.
Across the European Union, food supplements are required to declare the percentage of the Nutrient Reference Value (NRV) provided by each daily serving. This allows users to quickly understand how much of the recommended daily intake a product contributes.
For example:
A high percentage does not necessarily indicate that additional supplementation is required. Many essential vitamins and minerals are already supplied through a varied and balanced diet, with supplements intended to complement—not replace—healthy eating habits.
Nutritional Requirements Are Not the Same for Everyone
Daily nutrient requirements vary depending on several factors, including:
- Age
- Sex
- Life stage (e.g. pregnancy and breastfeeding)
- Physical activity level
- Health status
- Dietary habits
For example, children have different nutritional needs due to growth and development, while older adults may require higher intakes of certain nutrients, such as vitamin D, because of reduced absorption and physiological changes associated with ageing.
Within the European Union, supplement labels use Nutrient Reference Values (NRVs) established for healthy adults as the reference point for calculating the percentage displayed on product packaging.
The tables below present the NRV for vitamins and minerals in adults:
Children have distinct nutritional requirements that change throughout different stages of growth and development.
For example:
- Infants require lower amounts of most vitamins and minerals than adults.
- Nutrient needs increase during periods of rapid growth.
- Adolescents often have increased requirements for calcium, vitamin D, and iron to support skeletal development and overall growth.
As a result, dietary supplements formulated for adults are generally not suitable for young children unless specifically indicated on the product label or recommended by a healthcare professional.
Is More Always Better?
Not necessarily.
Both insufficient and excessive intake of vitamins and minerals can have health implications. While deficiencies may impair normal body functions, excessive consumption of certain nutrients—particularly fat-soluble vitamins and some minerals—may increase the risk of adverse effects.
For this reason, it is recommended to:
- Follow the recommended daily dosage.
- Use dietary supplements as part of a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle.
- Avoid exceeding the recommended daily intake unless advised by a qualified healthcare professional.
A Balanced Diet Remains the Foundation
A varied and balanced diet remains the primary source of essential vitamins and minerals. Fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, dairy products, fish, nuts, and seeds all contribute to optimal nutrient intake. However, during specific life stages or periods of increased nutritional demand, high-quality dietary supplements can play an important role in helping individuals meet their nutritional requirements.
About Valens
Valens is an innovation-driven manufacturer of food supplements with over 20 years of expertise, specializing in oral sprays, liquid supplements, and custom private-label formulations. Headquartered in the heart of Europe with a global reach, we partner with both leading international brands and ambitious emerging companies worldwide. Available in over 80 countries, we continue to expand our global presence through private label partnerships, distributorships, and contract manufacturing, while also offering our premium raw material, Q10Vital®, a water-soluble form of coenzyme Q10. Our production processes are strictly managed and certified in accordance with GMP, ISO 9001, IFS Food standards, and our facility is FDA-registered.
