Introduction
Nutrient Content Tables
Good Sources
Vegan Food Pyramid
Food Dictionary
Food Pictures
Nutrient Information
Daily Values
DRIs
Measurement Converter
Resources
Daily Values
Sample Food
Label
Daily Values
DV stands for Daily Value. The Daily Values are established by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. DV is used in food labeling as a reference point to help people get a perspective of what their overall daily dietary needs should be. You can find the DV percentages on food labels. The Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie intake for adults and children 4 years and older. Depending on your personal calorie needs, your daily values may be higher or lower.
| Macronutrients | |||
| Nutrient | Daily Values | ||
| Cholesterol | < 300 mg | ||
| Total Carbohydrate | 300 g | ||
| Dietary Fiber | 25 g | ||
| Protein | 50 g | ||
| Total Fat | < 65 g | ||
| Saturated Fat | < 20 g | ||
|
Vitamins |
Minerals | ||
| Nutrient | Daily Values | Nutrient | Daily Values |
| Vitamin C | 60 mg | Calcium | 1000 mg |
| Thiamin | 1.5 mg | Iodine | 150 mcg |
| Riboflavin | 1.7 mg | Iron | 18 mg |
| Niacin | 20 mg | Magnesium | 400 mg |
| Pantothenic Acid | 10 mg | Phosphorus | 1000 mg |
| Vitamin B6 | 2 mg | Potassium | 3500 mg |
| Folate | 400 mcg | Sodium | < 2400 mg |
| Vitamin B12 | 6 mcg | Zinc | 15 mg |
| Vitamin A | 5000 IU | Copper | 2 mg |
| Vitamin E | 30 IU | Manganese | 2 mg |
| Vitamin K | 80 mcg | Selenium | 70 mcg |
g = grams
mg = miligrams
mcg = micrograms
IU = International Unit
"Good Source"
A food is considered a "good source" of a particular nutrient, if the food contains 10-19% of the Daily Value of the nutrient. The food is considered a "great source" if it contains more than 20% of the Daily Value of the nutrient. When looking at the DV percentages on a food label or in the "Nutrient Contents" tables (see left of the Nutritional Information pages) for a particular product, you should always check out the serving size listed for the product. Also keep in mind that all DV percentages are based on a 2000 calorie diet. Depending on your calorie needs, your daily values may be higher or lower. Click here if you would like to calculate your estimated daily calorie needs.
Please note that for a product to be considered a "good source" or a "great source", it should also contain less than the uppermost limits of the recommended daily values for cholesterol, total fat, saturated fat and sodium.
Uppermost Limit
The recommended daily values for cholesterol, total fat, saturated fat and sodium are uppermost limits. A healthy diet should contain less than 300 milligrams of cholesterol, less than 65 grams of total fat, less than 20 grams of saturated fat and less than 2,400 milligrams of sodium.
Source
Values are from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. Guidance for Industry: A Food Labeling Guide (October 2009) - Appendix F.
The Daily Values (DVs) are made up of two sets of references DRVs and RDIs. The DRV (Daily Reference Values) are a set of dietary references that applies to fat, saturated fat, cholesterol, carbohydrate, protein, fiber, sodium and potassium. The RDIs (Reference Daily Intakes) are a set of dietary references based on the Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDAs) for essential vitamins and minerals and, in selected groups, protein. The RDAs (Recommended Dietary Allowances) are a set of nutrient allowances established by the National Academy of Sciences. The RDAs are a part of the DRIs.