Food Labels 101

The information on labels is based on 2,000 calories a day. You may need less or more than 2,000 calories depending upon your age, gender, activity level, and whether you’re trying to lose, gain or maintain your weight. Usually, a daily value of 5% or less is low and 20% or more is high.

These articles are not a substitute for medical advice, and are not intended to treat or cure any disease.  Advances in medicine may cause this information to become outdated, invalid, or subject to debate. Professional opinions and interpretations of scientific literature may vary.  Consult your healthcare professional before making changes to your diet, exercise or medication regimen.

Sources

Eating Healthier and Feeling Better Using the Nutrition Facts Label, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, U.S. Department of Agriculture:

 http://www.choosemyplate.gov/downloads/NutritionFactsLabel.pdf

How to Understand and Use a Nutrition Label, Food and Drug Administration: 

http://www.fda.gov/Food/IngredientsPackagingLabeling/LabelingNutrition/ucm274593.htm

Understanding Food Nutrition Labels, American Heart Association:

 http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/GettingHealthy/NutritionCenter/HealthyEating/Understanding-Food-Nutrition-Labels_UCM_300132_Article.jsp

These articles are not a substitute for medical advice, and are not intended to treat or cure any disease. Advances in medicine may cause this information to become outdated, invalid, or subject to debate. Professional opinions and interpretations of scientific literature may vary. Consult your healthcare professional before making changes to your diet, exercise, or medication regime.