Selenium: Although selenium is considered a trace mineral (one that is found is small quantities within cells) it has been shown, along with Vitamin E, to have an antioxidant function. Deficiency has caused a major health problem in China. When Chinese children and women of child-bearing age consumed low-selenium diets, they developed a heart disease known as Keshan disease. Scientists suspected that a requirement might be necessary, and subsequent research established a precise ammount. The RDA for men is set at 70 micrograms, 55 micrograms for women. Seafood, meat and grains are sources.

Vitamin C: Since Vitamin C is among the nutrients with a role in strengthening resistance to infection, it is perceived as important for smokers who tend to process and eliminate the vitamin more rapidly than others. Although there is no proof that Vitamin C reduces risk for lung or other cancers, the subcommittee recommended that cigarette smokers consume at least 100 milligrams daily. For others, the RDA remains at 60 milligrams a day. Good sources include: citrus fruits, cabbage-type vegetables, dark green vegetables, strawberries, peppers, tomatoes, potatoes, papayas and mangoes.

Folate: The committee reduced the RDA of folate, also known as folacin, to 240 micrograms for men ages 25 to 50 and 190 micrograms for women of the same age, based on observations of adult populations who maintain good health on diets containing an average of 200 micrograms a day. The previous recommended intake was 400 micrograms for both sexes. Folate is found in liver, leafy vegetables and some fruit. Anemia is a result of severe deficiency.