The Nutrition Facts label is required on most food and beverages by the Food and Drug Administration. The label provides nutrient information about the food item, including calories, fiber, fat and sodium. The purpose of the Nutrition Facts label is to help consumers make healthy food choices, according to the Mayo Clinic. People who understand how to read the food label are better able to make informed decisions about the food they eat.
Serving Size
Serving size and the number of servings in the package is the first place to start when looking at the Nutrition Facts label, says the FDA. Serving sizes are standard and are used to help compare similar food items. The serving size also influences the nutrient information provided on the rest of the label.
Calories
The calories in the food item indicate the amount of energy it will provide per serving. The purpose of the calorie section is to help Americans manage their weight, says the FDA. Calories from fat are also listed in this section. People can use calories from fat to help choose lower fat food items, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Nutrients
The nutrients section is required to have information on total fat, saturated fat, trans fat, cholesterol, sodium, carbohydrates, dietary fibers, sugar, protein, vitamin A, vitamin C, iron and calcium by the FDA. These nutrients are required because either Americans eat too much of them or not enough. Total fat, saturated fat, trans fat, cholesterol and sodium are prevalent nutrients in the American diet and need to be limited, according to the FDA. People who eat foods high in these nutrients are at greater risk for chronic diseases like heart disease, cancer or high blood pressure. American diets are low in fiber, iron, calcium and vitamin A. The FDA recommends Americans eat more of these foods to improve health and decrease risk for chronic disease.
Footnote
The footnote at the bottom of the Nutrition Facts label is to remind people the percent daily values are based on a 2,000-calorie diet, according to the Mayo Clinic. The footnote also explains how nutrient values vary depending on calorie needs. In addition, the footnote provides dietary advice for all Americans, including how much fat, cholesterol, sodium, fiber and carbohydrates to eat in one day on a 2,000-calorie diet.
Member Comments