What is the FDA Daily Value for Iron?

The FDA Daily Value for Iron is 18 mg for adults and children 4 years and older, per 21 CFR 101.9. On a Nutrition Facts label, a serving's %DV for iron is its amount divided by 18 mg, times 100.

Iron — FDA Daily Value

The FDA Daily Value for Iron is 18 mg for adults and children 4 or more years of age — a Reference Daily Intake (RDI), a fixed target not tied to calories. It changes by population group; see the exact numbers below.

Population group

Daily Value

5% DV

20% DV

Adults & children 4+

18 mg

0.9 mg

3.6 mg

Children 1–3 years

7 mg

0.35 mg

1.4 mg

Pregnant & lactating

27 mg

1.35 mg

5.4 mg

Infants 0–12 months

11 mg

0.55 mg

2.2 mg

Source: the FDA Daily Values in 21 CFR 101.9 and the FDA's Nutrition Facts label guidance. Cross-check nutrient amounts against USDA FoodData Central.

Example

A serving with 5 mg of iron provides 5 ÷ 18 × 100 = 30% DV (High).

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For informational purposes only; verify against § 101.9(c)(8)(iv). · US Nutrition Label Rules v1.3.0 · CFR snapshot 2026-02-12