The ratio of micronutrients per calorie in food.
A way of expressing the nutrient content of a food or diet relative to the energy yield (i.e. /lOOOkcal or /MJ) rather than per unit weight.
The ratio of calories to other nutrients in food.
The nutrient composition of food expressed in terms of nutrient quantity per 1000 kcal or 4200 kJ.
Nutrient density describes the level of a nutrient or group of nutrients in a food relative to the amount of energy provided by that food. A nutrient-dense food provides high levels of nutrients with relatively low levels of energy (Calories). A non-nutrient-dense food would provide high levels of energy with very little nutrients. Consuming a nutrient-dense diet assures an individual of meeting their daily needs with less risk of weight gain.
The ratio of the nutrients present in a food relative to its caloric value.
A measure of the nutrients in a food compared with the energy that the food provides.
The proportion of nutrients in a food compared to the number of calories.
The nutritional value of food, with respect to its caloric density, is a critical determinant of its health impact. This metric, known as nutrient density, takes into account the amount of essential vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients in a given portion of food, relative to the number of calories it provides. Thus, foods with high nutrient density offer a substantial amount of valuable nutrients per calorie, whereas those with low nutrient density are typically high in calories but offer minimal nutritional value. By optimizing nutrient density in our diets, we can achieve a more balanced and healthy diet, with benefits ranging from improved metabolic health to reduced risk of chronic diseases.