How do the Daily Values found on food labels compare to the nutritional recommendations for children?
Comparing the relative nutritional content of foods using the Nutrition Facts panel can help parents and children buy and eat healthier foods. Parents and teens who understand how to use the Daily Values to fit individual foods into a healthy diet also gain more control over their nutritional health and body weight. For example, dietary surveys, as well as CNRC research, suggest that adolescent girls tend to fall far short of the calcium and iron recommendations for their age group. This suggests that teenage girls would be wise to check the foods they eat for these nutrients. Teens who are trying to watch their weight, on the other hand, can use the information on calories per servings, serving size and the grams of fat and sugar to help keep calories in check. Many of fast-food restaurants also voluntarily provide nutrition information about the foods they serve upon request. When inspecting food labels, keep in mind that vitamins A and C, iron and calcium have clearly defined recomm
