Reliability of the Research Quality Nutrient Data

NutriBase Research
Quality Data

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Source Information, Sample Count, and Standard Error for every nutrient value for every USDA food item are included with NutriBase Clinical. The source information indicates the source from which the nutrient data was taken. The following is a list of the source information used in the database:
1) The value is analytical or derived from analytical.
2) The value is imputed.
3) The value upon which a manufacturer based their label claim for added nutrients (Used primarily for Breakfast Cereals and Infant Formulas)
4) The value is an assumed zero. The nutrient is not expected to be present because biologically it could not be present, such as dietary fiber in animal products, or the nutrient is expected to be present in only insignificant amounts, such as vitamin C in meat products.
5) The value is calculated from the nutrient label by NDL.
6) The value is calculated by the manufacturer, not adjusted or rounded for NLEA compliance.
7) The value is analytical, supplied by the manufacturer with partial documentation.
Keep in mind that values for non-100 gram portions (those with household measures) were derived from the original 100 gram portion provided by NDL.
To improve the usability of the database, food specialists in NDL have filled in nutrient values for many proximate components, total dietary fiber, vitamin and mineral values. Values for other nutrients, such as alcohol and vitamin E, were filled in because the food items are part of the data base that is used for the USDA Continuing Survey of Food Intakes by Individuals (CSFII).
NDL has added additional source codes to be more specific about the type of data used for processed and brand name products in SR14. Previous versions of SR were not reviewed to revise source codes. Therefore the new source codes that have been added are used only for items that are new or were revised for SR14. As existing items are revised, source codes will be updated.
Keep the following information in mind as you review the Source Information:
1) Carbohydrate values in animal products were assumed to be zero.
2) Carbohydrate values which were calculated by difference were imputed.
3) Energy values which were calculated by Atwater factors were imputed.
4) Cholesterol and vitamin B12 values in plant products were assumed to be zero.
5) Vitamin C and total dietary fiber values in animal products were assumed zero.
Sample Count - This value indicates the number of samples used to derive a particular nutrient for a particular food item. A value of zero indicates that the nutrient value was not analytical. Sample Count can be viewed in the Single Food Summary or exported from the SR14 Database. The inclusion of the sample count for every nutrient is a hallmark of a research quality nutrient database. The sample count for every nutrient in every USDA food item is available in NutriBase Clinical Nutrition and Fitness Manager.
Standard Error - A blank field indicates that this value could not be calculated. Sample Count can be viewed in the Single Food Summary or exported from the SR14 Database. The inclusion of the standard error for every nutrient is a hallmark of a research quality nutrient database. The standard error for every nutrient in every USDA food item is available in NutriBase Clinical Nutrition and Fitness Manager.

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