Why are we shooting for the bare minimum when we could have optimal health?

Why are we shooting for the bare minimum when we could have optimal health? Let’s play a game. If I told you you needed to get optimal levels of, let's say, Vitamin D, E, A, B, as well as zinc, magnesium and selenium everyday, what would you put on your plate today to make sure that happened?  Ding, ding, ding! I know! What about the Recommended Daily Dietary Allowances (RDA) listed on most foods? Isn't that the nutritional sherpa we need? I suppose the RDA is helpful to help you avoid age old diseases like rickets or scurvy, but the RDA [...]