The Nutrient Rich Foods Index helps to identify healthy, affordable foods

Background
The Nutrient Rich Foods (NRF) Index is a formal  scoring system that ranks foods on the basis of their nutrient  content. When used in conjunction with a food prices database,  it can help identify foods that are both nutritious and affordable.

Objective
Our aim was to identify healthy, affordable foods and food groups by using the NRF index and US Department of Agriculture (USDA) nutrient composition and food prices data sets.

Design
Foods in the USDA Food and Nutrition Database for Dietary Studies 1.0 were scored by using the NRF index. This NRF algorithm was represented by the sum of the percentage of the daily values of 9 nutrients to encourage (protein, fiber, vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, calcium, iron, magnesium, and potassium) minus the sum of the percentage of the maximum recommended values for 3 nutrients to limit (saturated fat, added sugar, and sodium). NRF scores and mean national food prices were calculated per calorie and per US Food and Drug Administration–defined serving.

Results
Each of the 9 USDA food groups offered foods of diverse nutritive value and cost. Eggs, dry beans and legumes, and meat and milk products were the lowest-cost sources of protein. Milk and milk products were the lowest-cost sources of calcium, whereas vegetables and fruit were the lowest-cost sources of vitamin C. Milk, potatoes, citrus juices, cereals, and beans had more favorable overall nutrient-to-price ratios than did many vegetables and fruit. Energy-dense grains, sweets, and fats provided most of the calories but fewer nutrients per dollar.

Conclusion
One important application of nutrient profile models is to help consumers identify foods that provide optimal nutrition at an affordable cost.

Reference

The Nutrient Rich Foods Index helps to identify healthy, affordable foods. Drewnowski A (2010) American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 91(4):1095S-1101S.