Daily Value

Daily Value (DV) is a term used on food labeling in the United States and Canada to indicate the level of some specific nutrients that a serving of the food contains in relation to their approximate requirement for it. The DV is expressed as a percentage.

Overview

The concept of Daily Value was introduced by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as a part of the Nutrition Labeling and Education Act of 1990. The purpose of the DV is to help consumers understand the nutritional content of a food item in the context of a total daily diet.

Calculation

The DV is calculated by the FDA and is based on a 2,000 calorie diet for healthy adults. The actual DV may vary depending on the individual's calorie needs. The DV for each nutrient is based on the highest recommended intake, highest adequate intake level, or the lowest level at which risk of inadequacy or prevention of chronic disease occurs, whichever is greatest.

Nutrients

The nutrients that are listed on the label include fat, saturated fat, cholesterol, sodium, carbohydrate, dietary fiber, sugars, protein, vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium, and iron. The label also includes a footnote with the %DV for 2,000 and 2,500 calorie diets.

Limitations

While the DV system is helpful in comparing the nutrient content of different foods, it does have limitations. It does not account for variations in individual nutrient needs, and it is based on an average diet, not on the dietary needs of specific individuals or groups.

See also

• Nutrition facts label
• Dietary Reference Intake
• Food and Drug Administration

Daily Value Resources
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