Nutrient Density
by: Carla R. McGill, PhD, RD
What is Nutrient Density?
Nutrient density is a measure of the nutrients a food or beverage provides relative to the calories it contributes to our daily intake. Nutrient dense foods provide substantial amounts of vitamins, minerals and other nutrients with relatively few calories. The more nutrients a food provides, and the fewer calories, the higher the nutrient density. Nutrient dense foods can also be called “nutrient rich”(1,2).Current dietary recommendations encourage consumption of nutrient dense foods. Both the 2005 Dietary Guidelines for Americans and the USDA MyPyramid food guidance system recommend choosing foods that provide vitamins, minerals and other nutrients and relatively few calories.(3) The concept of consuming a nutrient rich diet is supported by leading scientific authorities including the American Dietetic Association and the American Heart Association(4). Choosing foods and beverages that are nutrient rich allows us to get the most nutrition from the calories we consume each day(2).
Nutrients in Healthy 10
Healthy 10 is nutrient rich, with an 8-ounce serving providing 10% or more of the following essential nutrients: protein, fiber, potassium, phosphorous, calcium, iron, riboflavin and vitamins A, C, E, D and B12. In addition, one serving is also considered an excellent source of omega-3 DHA. One serving of Healthy 10 contains 140 calories which is only 7% of daily calorie needs (based on a 2,000 calorie diet). In addition to being nutrient rich, Healthy 10 is also fat-free and is low in sodium. Healthy 10 also provides 1 billion cells of the beneficial probiotic Bifidobacterium lactis in each 8-ounce serving. That´s a lot of health promoting nutrition for only 140 calories.Healthy 10 is a good source, or more, of several nutrients that have been identified as nutrients of concern by the 2005 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, meaning that the average intake is below recommendations.(3) For children, adolescents and adults the nutrients of concern are calcium, potassium, fiber and vitamin E. For adults the list of nutrients of concern also includes vitamins A, C and B12. The current dietary guidelines also recommend consuming three servings of fat-free or low-fat milk products each day. A serving of Healthy 10 helps meet this important recommendation.(3)
References
1. Whitney EN, Rolfes SR. Understanding Nutrition. London, Wadsworh Publishing Co; 2007.2. Live Well: Your Guide to Nutrient-Rich Eating. Available at: http://www.nutrientrichfoods.org. Accessed July 25, 2008.
3. Department of Health and Human Services/US Department of Agriculture. Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2005. Available at: http://www.healthgove/dietaryguidelines/dga2005/document. Accessed July 25, 2008.
4. Zelman K, Kennedy E. Naturally Nutrient Rich...Putting More Power on Americans' Plates. Nutr Today. 2005;40:60-68.
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