Here's how you know.
 **Official websites use .gov**
        
        A **.gov** website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.
 **Secure .gov websites use HTTPS**
        
        A **lock** (  ) or **https://** means you've safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.
 National Agricultural Library
                U.S. Department of Agriculture
        
                              Secondary Links
  

        
      Ask A QuestionContact UsDigiTopSite Search
Submit Search

                              menu

                                      Main menu

      
      HomeTopicsAnimal Health and WelfareEconomics, Business, and TradeFarms and Agricultural Production SystemsHuman Nutrition and Food SafetyNatural Resources, Conservation, and EnvironmentPlant Production and GardeningRural Development and CommunitiesAll TopicsResearch ToolsNAL Catalog (AGRICOLA)PubAgAg Data CommonsNAL ThesaurusFood Data CentralFood Safety Research Projects DatabaseManuscript Collections SearchAll Research ToolsCollectionsDigital CollectionsExhibitsSpecial CollectionsStories From the CollectionGovernment DocumentsAll CollectionsDataScientific Data ServicesData Management Planning ServicesCreate a DMPDMP Feedback and ReviewFind a Data RepositoryData Management GlossaryData Management VideosServicesPublic Access and Open Science at USDAData Management PlanningAg Data Commons User GuideDigiTopBorrow MaterialsReference and ResearchAll ServicesAbout UsAbout the LibraryEventsOrganization ChartInternshipsProgram AreasContact Us Home
          Program Areas
          Food and Nutrition Information Center (FNIC)Food and Nutrition Information Center (FNIC)

  About FNIC
        

          FNIC provides information about food and human nutrition for the professional community as described in the Food and Agriculture Act of 1977 (Farm Bill).


  Featured Topics
    
    Dietary Guidance
      Life Stage Nutrition
      Food Composition
      Food Labeling
      More Human Nutrition Topics

  Key Tools and Products
    
    DRI Calculator for Healthcare Professionals
    
    Calculate daily nutrient recommendations based on the Dietary Reference Intakes (DRIs) established by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine.

    Discover Nutrition Needs
      
              Nutrition and Food Safety Education
    
    Browse nutrition education curricula, lesson plans and activities for audiences of various ages, including children and teens.

    Find Lessons and Activities
      
              Historical Dietary Guidance Digital Collection
    
    Explore the history of dietary guidance and nutrition education from the 19th century to today.

    Browse the Collection
      
              Research Publications (Nutrition)
    
    View recent food and human nutrition research articles from a selection of peer-reviewed journals.

    Explore Articles


  Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
    

      
      How many calories are in one gram of fat, carbohydrate, or protein?Carbohydrates provide 4 calories per gram, protein provides 4 calories per gram, and fat provides 9 calories per gram. This information is also included at the end of the Nutrition Facts label on food packages. For more information about these nutrients, view FNIC resources about Macronutrients.
              Where can I find information about food composition?USDA’s FoodData Central is a nutrient database for researchers and professionals that shares what nutrients and compounds are in foods. It also addresses factors that influence variability in nutrient content, like genetics and environment. Search a food to see its nutrition content, including calories, fiber, vitamins, minerals, caffeine, and more. The Agricultural Research Service also has databases for iodine, flavonoids, and isoflavones.  For more information about nutrients in food, visit FNIC’s Nutrient Lists from Standard Reference Legacy (2018) pages.
              What are the Dietary Reference Intakes (DRIs)?The DRIs are recommended daily nutrient allowances for healthy individuals based on scientific evidence about relationships between nutrient intakes, health, and disease prevention. The DRIs are a set of values released by the National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine (formerly known as the Institute of Medicine) that include the Estimated Average Requirement (EAR), Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA), Adequate Intake (AI), Tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL), and Acceptable Macronutrient Distribution Ranges (AMDRs).
Learn more about the DRIs and how they are calculated by viewing FNIC’s Dietary Reference Intakes (DRIs) page, or use the DRI Calculator for Healthcare Professionals to determine nutrient needs for patients or clients. Please note that individualized nutrient requirements may be higher or lower than the DRIs depending on medical or health needs.
              Can FNIC staff attend our event or participate in an informational interview?FNIC is unable to provide staff for community events or conduct informational interviews for student assignments. We recommend contacting a local registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN) or nutrition expert for assistance. Below are suggestions for locating a nutrition professional for presentations or interviews:
Use the National Institute of Food and Agriculture’s (NIFA) College Partners Directory to find a local Cooperative Extension Service office. Extension staff provide education on nutrition, food safety, and other agricultural topics.
Search for RDNs and other nutrition professionals by zip code in the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics’ (AND) Find a Nutrition Expert database.
Contact community organizations or schools. Local colleges or universities with nutrition programs may have professors, students or interns who are willing to participate in events. Local hospitals or health systems with RDNs may also be able to assist.
              Can I add the Dietary Reference Intake (DRI) calculator to my app or website?Permission was obtained from the National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine to use DRI data in FNIC’s DRI Calculator for Healthcare Professionals. Since the DRI data is copyrighted, permission from the National Academies is needed if you want to use the database for any reason other than personal use. See their Legal Information and Request Rights and Permissions pages for more information.

  FNIC's Mission
    

      
            The Food and Agriculture Act of 1977 (Farm Bill) established the Food and Nutrition Information and Education Resources Center (later known as the Food and Nutrition Information Center, or FNIC) as a permanent entity within NAL. (See p.26 of PDF)
FNIC strives to serve the professional community, including educators, health professionals and researchers, by providing access to a wide range of trustworthy food and nutrition resources from both government and non-government sources. The FNIC website provides information about food and human nutrition.
The materials found on the NAL website are not intended to be used for the diagnosis or treatment of a health problem or as a substitute for consulting a licensed health professional.
      
              Contact Us
    

      
            Use the National Agricultural Library's Ask a Question form.
Questions are answered by FNIC Technical Information Specialists with expertise in nutrition and dietetics. Please note that we are unable to provide personalized nutrition advice.
**Phone:** (301) 504-5414Page Content Curated By
    

      Food and Nutrition Information Center (FNIC)
 Footer menu
  

        
      HomeSitemapSocial MediaFacebookTwitterYouTube
          
          Government Links
            AskUSDA
  Policies and Links
  Plain Writing
  FOIA
  Accessibility Statement
  Privacy Policy
  Non-Discrimination Statement
  Civil Rights Policy
  Information Quality
  Agricultural Research Service
  USDA.gov
  USA.gov
  WhiteHouse.govSign up for ARS News updates
                Your email address