The nutrient density approach to healthy eating

Challenges and opportunities

Bibliographic Data

ID15091171
AuthorsTheresa A Nicklas (0000-0001-7019-8356, corresponding author), Adam Drewnowski (0000-0002-2892-9888, University of Washington), Carol E O’Neil (Louisiana State University Agricultural Center)
Year2014
Volume17
Issue12
Pages2626-2636
Publication date2014-12-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenuePublic Health Nutrition (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1368-9800 • E-ISSN: 1475-2727
PublisherCambridge University Press (CUP) (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1017/s136898001400158x
PMID25166614
OpenAlexW1992463327
LanguageEN
Citations received6
References cited54

The term ‘nutrient density’ for foods/beverages has been used loosely to promote the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. The 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans defined ‘all vegetables, fruits, whole grains, fat-free or low-fat milk and milk products, seafood, lean meats and poultry, eggs, beans and peas (legumes), and nuts and seeds that are prepared without added solid fats, added sugars, and sodium’ as nutrient dense. The 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans further states that nutrient-dense foods and beverages provide vitamins, minerals and other substances that may have positive health effects with relatively few (kilo)calories or kilojoules. Finally, the definition states nutrients and other beneficial substances have not been ‘diluted’ by the addition of energy from added solid fats, added sugars or by the solid fats naturally present in the food. However, the Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee and other scientists have failed to clearly define ‘nutrient density’ or to provide criteria or indices that specify cut-offs for foods that are nutrient dense. Today, ‘nutrient density’ is a ubiquitous term used in the scientific literature, policy documents, marketing strategies and consumer messaging. However, the term remains ambiguous without a definitive or universal definition. Classifying or ranking foods according to their nutritional content is known as nutrient profiling. The goal of the present commentary is to address the research gaps that still exist before there can be a consensus on how best to define nutrient density, highlight the situation in the USA and relate this to wider, international efforts in nutrient profiling

Biology · Business · Calorie · Energy density · Environmental health · Nutrient · Nutrient density · Saturated fat · Whole grains · Consumer Attitudes and Food Labeling · Diet and metabolism studies · Engineering · Medicine · Nutritional Studies and Diet · Biotechnology · Food Science

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