Food Labels and Special Diets : Part 2

by Food and Drug Administration (FDA)

(Page 2 of 2)

Nutrient Claims

Elsewhere on the label, consumers may find claims about the food's nutrient content. Often, these claims appear on the front of the package, where shoppers can readily see them. These claims signal that the food contains desirable levels of certain nutrients.

Some claims, such as "low-sodium" "high in calcium," or "good source of fiber," describe nutrient levels. Some, but not all, highlight foods containing beneficial amounts of nutrients for some people with special dietary needs. The same claim may warn other consumers, for whom the nutrient is detrimental, to avoid the product. For example, a product claiming to be an "excellent source of potassium" is not a wise buy for a person following a low-potassium diet.

Health Claims

Health claims describe a relationship between a nutrient or food and a disease or health-related condition. FDA has authorized 10 such claims; they are the only ones that can be used in a label. The claims may show a link between:

• calcium and a lower risk of osteoporosis
• fat and a greater risk of cancer
• saturated fat and cholesterol and a greater risk of coronary heart disease
• fiber-containing grain products, fruits and vegetables and a reduced risk of cancer
• fruits, vegetables and grain products that contain fiber and a reduced risk of coronary heart disease
• sodium and a greater risk of high blood pressure
• fruits and vegetables and a reduced risk of cancer
• folic acid and a decreased risk of neural tube defect-affected pregnancy.
• sugar alcohols and a reduced risk of dental caries
• soluble fiber from whole oats, as part of a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol, and a reduced risk of coronary heart disease

Nutrient and health claims can be used only under certain circumstances, such as when the food contains appropriate levels of the stated nutrients.

The intent of the new food label is not just to ensure that label information is truthful but to provide more complete and useful nutrition and ingredient information for consumers' use. People with special dietary needs will likely find the labeling changes a welcome bonus.

Special Diets

Label information can help individuals select foods appropriate for their special dietary needs, determined by a physician, registered dietitian, or nutritionist. Some medical conditions that require special attention to diet are:

Kidney disease

For many people whose kidneys have failed or are failing, protein, potassium and sodium are restricted. The nutrient phosphorus also may be restricted.

People undergoing dialysis may be encouraged to eat 20 to 25 grams (g) of fiber daily because fluid restrictions, lack of exercise, and some kidney medications can cause constipation. The Daily Value for fiber, which is based on a 2,000-calorie diet, is 25 g.

Daily Values are reference numbers based on recommended dietary intakes to help consumers use label information to plan a healthy diet.

Liver disorders

People with hepatitis, cirrhosis, and other liver diseases often need a high-calorie, low-protein diet to help rejuvenate the damaged liver and maintain adequate nutrition. They also may need to increase their intake of vitamins — particularly folic acid, vitamin B12, and thiamin — and minerals.

Food sensitivities

According to the Food Allergy Network (a national nonprofit organization), the most common food allergens are milk, eggs, wheat, peanuts and other nuts, and soy. The treatment: avoiding the food or foods containing them.

Celiac disease

This is a genetic disorder in which the body cannot tolerate gliadin, the protein component of the gluten in wheat, barley, rye, and oats. So, people with celiac disease must avoid all products containing these grains — even foods that may contain only small amounts of the protein, such as vinegar, bouillon, and alcohol-containing flavorings. The intolerance leads to malabsorption — not only of the offending food but virtually all nutrients.

Cancer

Because weight loss is common during cancer treatment, many cancer patients need to increase their calories and protein intake.

In the case of bowel obstruction — either from surgery, radiation or the tumor — cancer patients may need to eat less fiber. But, they may need more if they become constipated.

To help reduce their risk of developing cancer again, following treatment, patients may want to choose foods and nutrients whose role in reducing cancer risk has been borne out by significant scientific evidence.

Bowel Disease

Increased fiber is often recommended for people with chronic constipation, irritable bowel syndrome, and diverticulosis. Low-fiber diets may be called for during flare-ups of these and other bowel diseases, such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.

Osteoporosis

In osteoporosis, bone mass decreases, causing bones to become brittle and easily broken, especially in later life. A low-calcium intake throughout life is thought to be a major risk factor. The Daily Value for calcium, based on calcium needs for all ages, is 1,000 milligrams. Vitamin D also is important because it aids calcium absorption. The Daily Value for vitamin D is 400 International Units.

About the Author

www.fda.gov
FDA is A United States government body that oversees medical devices, including contact lenses, intraocular lenses, excimer lasers and eyedrops. In the US, these products must be approved by the FDA before they can be marketed.