ABSTRACT
Objective To investigate the nutrient contents of various grains in Hubei Province, and to provide a scientific basis for a balanced diet. Methods Various grains (except potatoes and beans) on the market in Hubei Province were collected. The samples were prepared by peeling and milling, or directly milling, and the nutrient contents were determined according to the national standard methods. With reference to the American nutrient profiling model, protein, dietary fiber, vitamin C, vitamin A, vitamin E, potassium, magnesium, iron and calcium, the nine nutrients were selected as recommended nutrients, and sodium, added sugars and fat were restricted nutrients. On the basis of 100 g for calculation, a nutrient-rich food model (Nutrient-rich foods, NRF9.3) was established and applied to evaluate the grains. Results The evaluation results showed that wheat and buckwheat grains contained a higher recommended nutrient content than restricted nutrient content, and had higher nutritional value. Among them, quinoa (black) had the highest NRF index of 102.4, indicating the most nutritional value. After peeling, the loss rate of nutrient value (NRF9.3 index) of various grains was 38.73% to 65.00%. Conclusion It is recommended that people should try to choose whole grains when purchasing grain products.
ABSTRACT
@#Introduction: Nutrient profiling is the science of ranking food based on the nutrient content that enables an individual to make healthier food choice without exceeding the daily energy recommendation. This study was aimed at developing and validating a nutrient profiling model for Malaysian older population. Methods: A total of six nutrient profiling models comprising different combinations of nutrients were developed. Each model was tested by scoring 94 food items in terms of 100 kcal and 100 g, and the Recommended Nutrient Intakes for Malaysian (2017) as the reference value. The scores in each model were correlated with energy density per 100 g of food. The best model to correctly rank food according to nutrient density was chosen for validation. Validation was done by comparing the healthiness classification of 174 food items as determined by Towards Useful Aging Food Nutrient Density Index (TUA FNDI) nutrient profiling model and the Malaysian Dietary Guidelines. Results: Models with sodium and total fat were better correlated with energy density. All six models were inversely correlated with energy density. TUA FNDI 9-2 model was chosen as the best model for validation. Overall, there was substantial agreement between TUA FNDI 9-2 model and the food-based dietary guidelines (κ=0.644, p=0.001). Conclusion: The inverse correlation between nutrient profiling models to energy density shows that foods with higher nutrient density contain lower energy. The validated TUA FNDI 9-2 model is recommended for older adults to make healthier food choices.
ABSTRACT
Nutrient profiling is an important tool for governments, non-governmental organizations (NGO’s) and for the food industry, to help consumers make healthier food choices. Multiple nutrient profiling systems (NPS) have been introduced worldwide. There is, however, no agreement on the use of a single NPS in leading regions like the USA and Europe. In 2008, the Arrow Model of Verhagen and van den Berg was created to illustrate and compare characteristics of existing NPS. Recent developments in nutrient profiling give rise to the need for an updated Model. The present study aims to develop a comprehensive model, which can be used to explain and compare various front-of-pack nutrient profiling systems (FOP-NPSs). An extensive literature research was conducted to obtain an overview of existing FOP-NPS worldwide. Only FOP-NPS that are currently in use, focus on health-related product aspects and target the general population (adults and children) were included. The Funnel Model was developed based on the analysis of 40 existing FOP-NPSs and expert interviews. This Model illustrates different FOP-NPS and allows comparison among them. The Funnel Model includes several new characteristics compared to the Arrow Model. Numerous ingredients and four new characteristics were added to the Funnel Model: directivity, type of institution initiating the system, purpose and utilization. Several other characteristics were expanded with new elements. The Funnel Model also has a new visual presentation which is useful to clearly explain and compare FOP-NPS.