Development of a nutrient data system for international use: INFOODS (International Network of Food Data Systems)

The current interest in the area of nutrition, diet, and cancer has called attention to some major deficiencies in the data base available to support a variety of research activities in the field. These deficiencies have been especially evident in epidemiologic studies where attempts are being made to characterize the dietary differences existing among various populations who have markedly different incidences of chronic diseases, including cancers, thought to be associated with diet. Such studies have been able to characterize international differences in diet by broad, nutrient-food categorizations, but they suffer from a dearth of detailed information on the nutrient content of the enormous variety of foodstuffs consumed by different populations and by the subgroup populations within each of the countries or geographic areas. At the present time, there is no internationally agreed upon food composition data system that provides a continuum of information on food composition. Current diet and disease studies require data on the human requirements or allowances for essential nutrients and quantified data on the ability of the food supply to provide these factors. In addition, information on other chemical components of foods that represent protection for or risk to good health is needed. Such a comprehensive data base would be helpful in providing criteria for formulation of public policy on diet-related public health issues. The Diet and Cancer Branch of the Division of Cancer Prevention and Control, National Cancer Institute, together with other groups support the development of an International Food Composition Data System (INFOODS) as a response to the need for more complete, reliable, and comprehensive information on the nutrient and nonnutrient composition of foods and beverages and their ingredients.