USDA Food and Nutrient Database for Dietary Studies

USDA Food and Nutrient Database for Dietary Studies
Name	USDA Food and Nutrient Database for Dietary Studies
Developer	Agricultural Research Service
Released	2003
Genre	Nutrition database
License	Public domain

USDA Food and Nutrient Database for Dietary Studies. It is a specialized research tool developed by the Agricultural Research Service to support the analysis of foods and beverages reported in nationwide dietary intake surveys. The primary purpose of the database is to provide the detailed nutrient profiles necessary for translating food consumption data from surveys like What We Eat in America into estimated nutrient intakes for the United States population. This resource is fundamental for monitoring dietary trends, informing public health policy, and conducting nutritional epidemiology research.

Overview and Purpose

The database was created specifically to analyze dietary intake data collected through the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, a program administered by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Its core function is to supply the nutrient values needed to process the 24-hour dietary recalls conducted during the survey. This enables researchers and policymakers at institutions like the National Institutes of Health and the Food and Drug Administration to assess the population's nutritional status. The data are critical for understanding relationships between diet and health outcomes, supporting initiatives like the Dietary Guidelines for Americans.

Development and Methodology

Development is led by scientists at the Agricultural Research Service's Beltsville Human Nutrition Research Center in Maryland. The methodology involves compiling and synthesizing data from multiple sources, including the foundational USDA National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference. Food composition values are derived from chemical analyses conducted in laboratories, scientific literature, and calculations from recipes. The process includes careful consideration of food formulations, fortification practices mandated by the Food and Drug Administration, and market share data from companies like Nielsen Holdings to create representative nutrient profiles for commonly consumed foods.

Data Structure and Components

The database is structured around an eight-digit food code that links each food item to its corresponding nutrient profile. Each record contains values for over 60 nutrients and food components, including energy, macronutrients, vitamins, and minerals. Key components include adjustments for moisture and fat changes during cooking, as well as fortification levels for nutrients like folic acid and vitamin D. The system also incorporates data on food energy from dietary fiber and specific fatty acids, aligning with the research priorities of organizations like the World Health Organization.

Applications and Uses

Its primary application is the analysis of the What We Eat in America dietary survey data, which is integrated with the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Epidemiologists use the database to investigate associations between nutrient intake and chronic diseases such as those studied by the American Heart Association. Public health officials at the Department of Health and Human Services utilize the findings to develop programs and evaluate the impact of policies like the National School Lunch Program. The data also support academic research at universities and inform product development within the food industry.

Relationship to Other USDA Databases

It is directly derived from the more comprehensive USDA National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference, which serves as the authoritative source of food composition data for the United States. While the Standard Reference database contains profiles for a vast array of individual food items and ingredients, this database is a curated subset specifically tailored for analyzing consumption surveys. It is distinct from other related resources like the Food Patterns Equivalents Database and the Food and Nutrient Database for Dietary Studies, which are designed for different types of dietary pattern analysis. All these tools support the mission of the United States Department of Agriculture.

Updates and Version History

The database is updated periodically to reflect changes in the food supply, new nutrient research, and revisions to analytical methods. Major versions are released in conjunction with each new cycle of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, such as those corresponding to survey years 2003-2004, 2005-2006, and subsequent two-year periods. Each update incorporates the latest data from the USDA National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference and adjusts for new fortification regulations from the Food and Drug Administration. The evolution of the database ensures its continued relevance for tracking trends through initiatives like Healthy People.

Category:Nutrition databases Category:United States Department of Agriculture Category:Public health