Sources & Method

Each entry on VitaWhat lists its own sources at the foot of the page. Where a figure such as a recommended daily intake is quoted, it is drawn from public guidance from bodies such as those below. Figures vary by country, age, sex and life stage — always check the guidance that applies to you.

Reference bodies we draw on

• World Health Organization (WHO)
• U.S. National Institutes of Health — Office of Dietary Supplements
• European Food Safety Authority (EFSA)
• UK NHS and the British Nutrition Foundation
• Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) & NHMRC nutrient reference values
• Peer-reviewed nutrition and clinical literature

How to read our pages

• Intakes are general adult guidance unless stated otherwise.
• The 3D locator shows typical areas a deficiency affects — it is illustrative, not diagnostic.
• Ratings for oils, butters and milks reflect general dietary consensus, not individual medical needs.