In this clip, Bruce Ames explains that recommended daily allowance (RDA) is set at two standard deviations above the estimated average requirement (EAR). The estimated average requirement for a specific nutrient is established at levels to prevent short term diseases such as rickets and scurvy. Bruce explains that this may still leave people insufficient for long-term diseases. In light of his triage theory, this means a poor diet may have enough nutrition to prevent serious acute diseases but still lead to accelerated aging and long-term diseases.
This clip was taken from the first FoundMyFitness interview with Bruce Ames found at
Original episode published on Feb 11, 2015
