Understanding the Nutrtion Facts Label
Use the Nutrition Facts Label to Make Healthy Choices
Older adults have different nutritional needs than other age groups. The Nutrition Facts label can help you monitor some of the nutrients in your diet.
Download Using the Nutrition Facts Label: For Older Adults (English) (Spanish)
1. Check the Servings
Servings Per Container shows the total number of servings in the entire food package or container. One package of food may contain more than one serving.
Serving Size is based on the amount of food that is usually eaten at one time. Serving size is not a recommendation of how much to eat. The nutrition information listed on the label is usually based on one serving of the food; however, some containers may also have nutrition information listed for the entire package.
When comparing calories and nutrients in different foods, check the serving size to make a correct comparison.
2. Know Your Calorie Needs
Calories refers to the total number of calories in a serving of the food. To achieve or maintain a healthy body weight, balance the number of calories you eat and drink with the number of calories your body uses.
2,000 calories a day is used as a general guide for nutrition advice. However, your calorie needs may be higher or lower and depend on your age, sex, height, weight, and the amount of physical activity you get each day. Talk to your healthcare provider about your calorie and nutrition needs, as you age.
Visit www.MyPlate.gov/MyPlatePlan and talk to your health care provider to see what calorie range is right for you.
3. Use % Daily Value as a Guide
The %DV can help you look for foods to decide which is the better choice for you.
Older adults should more often look for foods with a higher %DV of dietary fiber, vitamin D, calcium, and potassium. Older adults should also more often look for foods with a lower %DV of saturated fat, sodium, and added sugars. Talk to your healthcare provider about which nutrients you should track closely for your overall health.
References:
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. What’s New with the Nutrition Facts Label. 2020.
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Using the Nutrition Facts Label: For Older Adults. 2020.
Posted: 12/5/2018; Revised: 12/30/20
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