Summary
FoodData Central: Historical Nutrients is a USDA reference database released in 2019 that consolidates legacy nutrient composition data for US foods, drawing on earlier datasets such as the SR (Standard Reference) legacy database. It serves as a foundational resource for researchers examining long-term trends in food nutrient density and is widely cited in studies investigating changes in crop and food nutrient profiles over time. The dataset does not itself present experimental findings but provides the underlying data infrastructure against which such analyses are conducted.
UK applicability
This dataset is specific to US food supply conditions and is not directly transferable to UK or European contexts; however, researchers in the UK may draw on it for comparative purposes or methodological reference when conducting equivalent analyses using databases such as McCance and Widdowson's Composition of Foods.
Key measures
Nutrient concentrations per 100g food item (including macronutrients, vitamins, and minerals); historical reference values across multiple survey years
Outcomes reported
The dataset compiles historical nutrient composition values for a wide range of foods, enabling longitudinal comparison of nutrient levels across decades. It provides standardised reference data on macro- and micronutrient content intended to support research, policy, and dietary assessment.
Topic tags
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