Selection of Nutrients and Other Components

Abstract

Although food composition data bases should aim to include all nutrients that are known or believed to be important in human nutrition, this ideal will not be attained in many parts of the world, especially where resources are scarce. Decisions must be made on priorities. Some measure of selectivity is both desirable and possible, particularly in respect of analytical work, which constitutes the major demand on resources. The following considerations, in addition to the availability of resources, will govern the selection of nutrients and other food components:

• a) health problems in the country concerned;

• b) the state of nutritional and toxicological science;

• c) availability of existing data;

• d) existence of adequate analytical methods;

• e) feasibility of analytical work.