Only a few nutrients are listed on the Nutrition Facts label-those that relate to today's most important health issues. The label lists total fat, saturated fat, cholesterol and sodium because people eat too much of these. Fiber, vitamins A and C, calcium and iron are listed because people do not eat enough of these everyday. Fat, saturated fat, cholesterol, total carbohydrate, fiber, sugars, protein, vitamins A and C, calcium and iron are required on the label. Other nutrients may be listed if the company would like to list them.
Nutrients are substances found in food that are needed for good health.
Your body can't make nutrients, so they must be supplied by food. During digestion, food is broken down into nutrients, which are absorbed into your bloodstream and carried to every cell in your body. Each nutrient has a specific function and they all work together for your good health. Fiber, which is another carbohydrate, aids digestion and helps fight some diseases but is not a nutrient because it is not digested and absorbed by the body. Fats transport nutrients and they are a part of many body cells.