Daily Value

Definition

Daily value is a guide to the nutrients in one serving of food and indicates how much a nutrient in a serving contributes to a daily diet. It helps consumers understand the nutritional content of foods in the context of a total daily intake, making it easier to manage dietary choices and maintain a balanced nutrition plan.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Daily values are based on public health recommendations and can vary depending on factors like age, sex, and life stage.
2. Food labeling regulations require that daily values be included for key nutrients like fat, cholesterol, sodium, carbohydrates, fiber, sugars, and protein.
3. The %DV helps consumers quickly assess whether a food is high or low in a particular nutrient, with 5% or less being low and 20% or more being high.
4. For certain nutrients like fiber, which are beneficial for health, a higher %DV is desirable for promoting good dietary habits.
5. Daily values can also inform choices regarding complex carbohydrates and glycemic index, guiding individuals towards healthier food options.

Review Questions

• How do daily values aid in making informed dietary choices regarding carbohydrates and their sources?
  • Daily values provide clear information on the nutrient content of foods, particularly regarding carbohydrates. By showing the %DV for complex carbohydrates and fiber, consumers can quickly evaluate how different foods contribute to their overall daily intake. This knowledge helps individuals choose foods that are not only satisfying but also promote better health by emphasizing higher fiber options that support digestion and metabolic health.
• Discuss the importance of daily values in relation to phytochemicals and antioxidants found in various foods.
  • Daily values play a crucial role in highlighting the presence of phytochemicals and antioxidants in food products. By including these nutrients on labels, consumers can assess their contributions to daily intake. This awareness encourages individuals to incorporate more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains into their diets since these foods are rich in beneficial compounds that support overall health and may reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
• Evaluate how understanding daily values can influence public health nutrition initiatives aimed at reducing chronic diseases related to poor dietary choices.
  • Understanding daily values is essential for public health nutrition initiatives as it empowers individuals to make healthier food choices. By educating the population about how daily values reflect recommended nutrient intakes, these initiatives can promote awareness of nutrient-dense foods, such as those high in complex carbohydrates and antioxidants. This informed approach can lead to significant reductions in chronic diseases linked to poor diets by encouraging people to consume foods that align with their nutritional needs and improve overall health outcomes.

Related terms

Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA): The daily dietary intake level of a nutrient considered sufficient to meet the requirements of most healthy individuals.

Nutritional Labeling: The practice of providing information about the nutritional content of food products, often including daily values to help consumers make informed choices.

Percent Daily Value (%DV): A percentage that shows how much a nutrient in a serving contributes to a daily diet based on a standard 2,000-calorie intake.