Daily Value Percentage
Definition
Daily Value Percentage is a guide on food labels that shows how much a nutrient in a serving of the food contributes to a daily diet based on a 2,000-calorie-a-day diet plan.
Scientific / Technical Definition
Daily Value Percentage (%DV) is a reference value used in nutritional labeling, representing the percentage of a daily nutritional requirement that a serving of the food provides, based on public health recommendations for a 2,000-calorie daily diet. It helps consumers assess the nutritional content of a food product in the context of a total daily diet.
Benefits
- Helps consumers make informed food choices.
- Facilitates comparison of the nutritional value between different food products.
- Assists in maintaining a balanced diet by highlighting nutrient content.
Examples
- A food label showing 20% Daily Value for calcium means the food provides 20% of the calcium you need each day.
- If a snack has a 5% Daily Value for sodium, it is considered low in sodium based on dietary guidelines.
Additional Information
- Importance: Understanding Daily Value Percentages can help individuals adapt their food choices to different dietary needs and goals, such as managing weight or reducing sodium intake.
References
Last updated: 10/19/2024