Due to a gradual shift in eating patterns, many Americans are no longer consuming the recommended amounts of dairy to meet their calcium and vitamin D needs. Learn why dairy has become a food group of concern—plus explore the best sources of dairy, the recommended intakes for every age, the top health benefits of dairy, and tips on adding more dairy to the diet.

Last year, scientists made a connection between a rare disease that had begun showing up in dogs—taurine-deficient dilated cardiomyopathy—and grain-free dog foods. But unlike cats, for example, dogs can synthesize their own taurine. So what’s going on here? Learn why veterinarians are calling for manufacturers to fortify their dog foods with taurine and why taurine is so essential for pets.

With the new nutrition label regulations, we’re looking at big changes in vitamin D labeling—including mandatory nutrition labeling and a doubling of the Daily Value. Although the “sunshine vitamin” can be produced in the skin with sufficient sun exposure, lifestyle factors like less time outdoors and widespread use of sunscreen mean that Americans are struggling to get enough vitamin D. Read on to learn how much vitamin D we actually need, the best food sources, and which labeling changes impact this nutrient of concern. 

Here’s everything you need to know about the best sources of iron, how much iron we actually need, and how to label iron under the new nutrition label regulations. 

While food and beverage manufacturers are gearing up for the new nutrition label compliance deadlines, many still have questions about why these changes are even necessary. Here we discuss why the FDA has decided to change the labeling status of vitamin C from mandatory to voluntary—even though vitamin C has been identified as an underconsumed nutrient in America.

Did you know that the vast majority of Americans are not consuming adequate amounts of potassium? Less than 2% are meeting the recommendations for potassium,¹ and the average intake is only 55% of the recommended amount.² Since potassium helps regulate things like heartbeat and blood pressure, it’s no wonder the FDA is making potassium a mandatory label nutrient on the new nutrition label. Here’s everything you need to know about this vital nutrient.

Biotin is a stable B vitamin that functions in the metabolism of macronutrients such as proteins, carbohydrates, and proteins. Other names for biotin include vitamin B7, vitamin H, or coenzyme R. Biotin is a coenzyme involved in the creation of nucleic acids and fatty acids. Additionally, biotin is an important factor in the creation of fats, specifically for adequate fat production in the body. Even though biotin is responsible for the production of fat, it is not stored in the fatty tissues. In fact, biotin is a water soluble vitamin, nontoxic, and excreted from the body. Low biotin intake causes an adverse effect of fat metabolism. (1).

The United States population consumes well below the recommended amounts of fiber (1). The 2015-2020 Dietary Guidelines has recognized dietary fiber as a nutrient of public health concern (2).

According to health professionals, getting enough potassium can reduce your risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke.¹ Yet most American adults are falling short of the recommended daily intake. Research suggests that consuming an optimal amount of this crucial mineral may protect against a host of ailments including cardiovascular disease, muscle wasting, osteoporosis, and kidney stones. It can help to maintain healthy blood pressure and ensure proper nerve, kidney, and heart functions. In 2016, the FDA added potassium to the list of nutrients required to be listed on a food’s nutrition panel.

Checking the nutrition label for the gluten-free certification is obviously a priority for one with Celiac Disease, however, the nutritional content is often overlooked when searching for foods without wheat, rye or barley. Few gluten-free grains are enriched or fortified with vitamins and minerals, leaving nutrient gaps in the diet and making consumers more susceptible to nutrient deficiencies. One should be on the lookout for the following nutrients if on a gluten-free diet.