The phrase "dietary reference" refers to a specific guideline or recommendation for the amount of calories, nutrients, or food components that a person should consume daily to maintain good health. Full definition
The scientists who reviewed the vitamin D findings fall heavily into this camp: trials «typically provide the highest level of scientific evidence relevant for dietary reference intake development,» they wrote. (scientificamerican.com)
In this process, dietary reference values are also taken into account. (nature.com)
In 2005, the National Academy of Sciences established a set of Dietary Reference Intakes (DRIs) for protein that included age and gender specific Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDAs) for protein. (whfoods.com)