Nutrient
Macronutrients and micronutrients with FDA daily value references.
A Nutrient is a substance in food that provides nourishment for growth, energy, and cell maintenance. BetterMenu tracks macronutrients (carbohydrates, proteins, fats — measured in grams) and micronutrients (vitamins, minerals — measured in milligrams or micrograms) using FDA Recommended Daily Intake references.
What is a nutrient and why does it matter?
When we consume food, the body breaks it down into constituent nutrients and uses them for energy production, growth, repair, and maintenance of cells and tissues. No single food provides all required nutrients — dietary variety is essential to meet the body's full nutritional needs.
What is the difference between macronutrients and micronutrients?
A Nutrient has a name and could further be classified into two categories:
- Macronutrients: These are nutrients that provide calories or energy. Macronutrients include carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. These are generally measured in grams (g).
- Micronutrients: These are nutrients that are required in smaller amounts. Micronutrients include vitamins and minerals. These are generally measured in milligrams (mg) or micrograms (µg) or international units (IU).
There are many nutrients that could not be classified as either macronutrients or micronutrients, however, they are still essential for the body to function properly. These nutrients include water, potassium, and Chloride.
How are nutrient recommendations communicated on food labels?
Depending on the life stage and gender, the daily recommended intake of nutrients may vary. Read Recommended Daily Intakes for more information. In the United States, the FDA establishes Daily Values for nutrients based on a 2,000-calorie reference diet. These Daily Values are derived from Dietary Reference Intakes (DRIs) established by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. When buying packaged food, you would see some of the nutrients listed on the packaging. These are typically referred to as Nutrition Facts.
Also, when eating out, people are getting more aware of the nutrients in the food they consume. Therefore, it is not uncommon to see the nutrient information on the menu.