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Published on: September 18, 2018
The National Food and Nutrient Analysis Program: A decade of progress
David B Haytowitz1, Pamela R Pehrsson, Joanne M Holden
1Nutrient Data Laboratory, Beltsville Human Nutrition Research Center, Agriculture Research Service, US Department of Agriculture, 10300 Baltimore Ave., Bldg. 005, Rm 107, BARC-West, Beltsville, MD 20705, USA.
Summary
The National Food and Nutrient Analysis Program (NFNAP) provides updated USDA food composition data using representative sampling. New analyses reveal significant nutrient changes in key foods, improving dietary intake assessments.
Area of Science:
- Food Science
- Nutrition Science
- Analytical Chemistry
Background:
- The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) maintains food composition databases crucial for dietary assessments.
- Previous data may not accurately reflect current food nutrient profiles due to evolving food production and processing.
- The National Food and Nutrient Analysis Program (NFNAP) was established to address these data gaps.
Purpose of the Study:
- To expand and improve the quality of USDA food composition databases.
- To generate new and updated analytical data for food components using representative samples.
- To assess the impact of updated nutrient data on the U.S. diet.
Main Methods:
- Statistically valid sampling plans for nationally representative food and beverage samples.
- Analysis of targeted "Key Foods" contributing significantly to nutrient intake.
- Comprehensive quality control and USDA analytical oversight for generated data.
- Comparison of new analytical data with historical database values.
Main Results:
- Significant changes observed in nutrient values for many high-consumption foods compared to historical data.
- Examples include decreased Vitamin A in cooked carrots and increased fat in French fried potatoes.
- Trans fatty acid content in margarines has substantially decreased due to product reformulation.
Conclusions:
- Improved sampling and analytical strategies enhance the reliability of nutrient estimates.
- Updated food composition data from NFNAP are essential for accurate nutrient intake assessments.
- These findings underscore the dynamic nature of food composition and the need for ongoing analysis.
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