The Nutrients Lacking a Daily Value
Many consumers rely on the percent Daily Value (%DV) on a nutrition label to quickly assess a food's nutrient profile. However, some listed items do not come with this handy percentage. The three main nutrients that generally appear without a %DV are protein, total sugars, and trans fat. Recognizing these exceptions is a critical first step in properly understanding and utilizing the nutrition information provided on packaged foods.
Protein
Protein is an essential nutrient vital for building and repairing tissues, but it typically lacks a %DV on the label for the general population over four years old. The FDA does not consider protein consumption to be a public health concern for most Americans, so its %DV is only required in specific circumstances, such as for products intended for infants and young children under four, or if the manufacturer makes a specific protein-related claim on the packaging. While a daily value for protein exists, the decision to omit it from general labeling reflects the fact that most adults and children in the U.S. consume enough protein without needing to closely track it via a percentage. Instead, consumers should look at the gram amount of protein to compare products. The nutritional quality of the protein, which is based on its amino acid profile, is another factor that influences labeling for protein claims.
Trans Fat
Trans fat is another nutrient that appears on the Nutrition Facts panel without a %DV. For decades, trans fat was a significant public health concern due to its link to an increased risk of heart disease. As a result, the FDA has taken steps to largely eliminate artificial trans fats from the food supply, making them no longer 'Generally Recognized as Safe' (GRAS). Because there is no recommended safe level for artificial trans fat consumption, an official Daily Value was never established. The FDA recommends keeping intake as low as possible, advising consumers to use the gram amount on the label and check the ingredient list for 'partially hydrogenated oils' to identify remaining sources.
Total Sugars
Total Sugars is listed on the Nutrition Facts table, but unlike 'Added Sugars' (which does have a %DV), it does not have its own percent Daily Value. Total Sugars represents the combined total of naturally occurring sugars (like those in fruit and milk) and any added sugars. The FDA has not established a DV for total sugars because naturally occurring sugars are not considered a public health concern in the same way that added sugars are. This distinction helps consumers focus on reducing their intake of added sugars, which are directly linked to an increased risk of health issues when consumed in excess. By providing a %DV only for added sugars, the label helps distinguish between sugars from whole foods and those introduced during processing.
Understanding the Label for These Nutrients
To use the Nutrition Facts table effectively, it is essential to know how to interpret the data for nutrients that don't have a %DV. For protein, the gram amount is the most useful metric for comparison, especially for individuals with specific fitness or dietary goals. For total sugars, the focus should shift to the 'Added Sugars' line, using its %DV to guide consumption. For trans fat, the goal is to keep the gram amount as close to zero as possible. This requires careful reading, as manufacturers can list '0g' if the serving contains less than 0.5g of trans fat.
Interpreting the Different Sugar Listings
Understanding the nuance between total and added sugars is crucial for healthy eating. When you see 'Total Sugars,' remember that it includes both natural sugars and added sugars. The listing for 'Added Sugars' is a more direct guide for making healthier choices, as limiting these is a public health priority. For example, a plain yogurt will have a high 'Total Sugars' count from naturally occurring lactose, but a low 'Added Sugars' count. A fruit-flavored yogurt, however, may show a significant number for both, indicating a high amount of sugar from both sources.
Using Grams for Comparison
Without a percentage, consumers can still compare products by looking at the raw gram amounts. This is especially helpful for protein, where the ideal intake varies widely based on individual factors like age, weight, and activity level. The average Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for protein is 0.8 grams per kilogram of body weight, but many athletes or active individuals consume more. Similarly, comparing the gram amount of trans fat helps identify the lowest-risk option, even if multiple products are labeled '0g'.
Comparison of Nutrients with and without a %DV
| Feature | Nutrients with a %DV | Nutrients without a %DV | Implications for Consumer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Examples | Saturated Fat, Sodium, Added Sugars, Vitamin D, Calcium, Iron, Potassium | Trans Fat, Total Sugars, Protein (generally) | Percentages allow for quick comparison and assessment against daily recommendations. Grams and ingredient lists require more detailed reading. |
| Regulatory Basis | Based on established Daily Reference Values (DRVs) or Reference Daily Intakes (RDIs), which are reference amounts to consume or not to exceed. | Reasons vary; for trans fat, there is no safe level; for protein, intake is not a public health concern for most adults. | Consumers should pay extra attention to the gram amounts and ingredient lists for items without a %DV. |
| Health Guidance | Guides consumers toward specific goals (e.g., limit saturated fat, increase Vitamin D) based on population data. | Emphasizes limiting consumption as much as possible for trans fat, and using the gram amount for protein based on personal needs. | The absence of a %DV does not mean the nutrient is unimportant; it signifies a different regulatory approach for guiding health decisions. |
Conclusion
While most nutrients on the Nutrition Facts table come with a percent Daily Value, knowing which item does not have a Daily Value on the Nutrition Facts table is essential for accurate label interpretation. Protein, trans fat, and total sugars are key exceptions, each for distinct reasons grounded in public health policy and scientific evidence. Protein's omission reflects that most people consume adequate amounts, while trans fat's lack of a %DV is due to its association with health risks at any level. The separation of total and added sugars, with only the latter having a %DV, helps consumers identify and limit sugars that are added during processing. Ultimately, effective use of the nutrition label involves more than just glancing at the percentages; it requires understanding these specific exceptions to make truly informed dietary choices. For more detailed information on nutrition labeling, a good resource is the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's guidance.
