Project Number: 1235-52000-061-37
Project Type: Reimbursable

Start Date: Aug 20, 2012
End Date: Aug 20, 2017

Objective:
The Nutrient Data Laboratory (NDL) will provide scientific and technical expertise for acquisition, evaluation, and compilation of composition data for foods and dietary supplements. NDL will develop and implement appropriate sampling strategies, define and direct the analytical program and evaluate quality of data received. Resulting data will be disseminated at regular intervals through electronic media. NDL will provide supervision of scientists, administrative support, space and additional personnel to carry out this program.

Approach:
NDL will continue to expand and improve the databases for as many as 120 components in foods and dietary supplements to assure the representativeness and timeliness of those values. Under the comprehensive National Food and Analysis Program and work for the Dietary Supplements Ingredients Database, data for traditional components will be updated while data for emerging components will be added. These will include sodium, and specific forms of vitamins E and D and individual fatty acids. Data will be obtained through USDA-directed contracts with commercial labs and collaborative agreements with universities and other government labs. Labs will be selected in a competitive process according to their use of valid methods and quality control procedures for individual components. Research concerning the variability of nutrients in specific foods and dietary supplements will be initated. Efforts will continue to determine the appropriate methods of data dissemination in keeping with rapidly changing computer and internet technology.