Modeling Possible Outcomes of Updated Daily Values on Nutrient Intakes of the United States Adult Population

Abstract

The United States (US) Food and Drug Administration has updated the Daily Values (DVs) for the Nutrition Facts Label on packaged foods. We used the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2009–2012 data with the International Life Sciences Institute, North America Fortification Database, which identifies intrinsic, mandatory enriched, and fortified sources of nutrients in foods and beverages, to model the new DVs’ potential impact on adult (≥19 years of age) intake. We assumed that manufacturers will adjust voluntary fortification to maintain percent DV claims. We assessed the percent of the US population whose usual intake (UI) was < the Estimated Average Requirement (EAR), and ≥ the Upper Limit (UL) based on the current DVs, and modeled estimated UI and %<EAR with the new DVs (Updated DV) for 12 micronutrients. Modeling for vitamins B12, A, B6, riboflavin, niacin, thiamin, and zinc predicts fewer voluntarily fortified foods and reduced adult UI. Assuming manufacturers add more vitamins C and D and calcium to foods, the Updated DV predicts the adult UI will increase for these nutrients. Our modeling predicts a 15% reduction in overall adult vitamin A intake, a recognized “shortfall nutrient” and that even with the increased DV for vitamin D, 70% of US adults are predicted to have an intake <EAR.