Project Number: 1235-52000-051-14
Project Type: Reimbursable

Start Date: Sep 01, 2005
End Date: Aug 31, 2010

Objective:
The NDL will provide scientific and technical expertise for acquisition, evaluation & compilation of composition data for foods and dietary supplements. NDL will develop & implement appropriate sampling strategies, define & direct the analytical program & evaluate quality of data received. Data generated will be disseminated at regular intervals by using electronic media. NDL will provide supervision of scientists, administrative support, space and additional personnel to carry out this program.

Approach:
NDL will continue to expand and improve the databases for as many as 100 components in foods and dietary supplements to assure the representativeness & timeliness of those values. Under the comprehensive National Food & Dietary Supplement Analysis Program data for traditional components will be updated while data for emerging components will be added. These will include individual flavonoids, selenium & specific forms of Vitamin E and D and individual fatty acids. Data will be obtained through USDA-directed contracts with commercial labs & collaborative agreements with Universities and other government labs. Labs will be selected in a competitive process according their use of valid methods and quality control procedures for individual components. Research concerning the variability of nutrients in specific foods and dietary supplements will be initiated. Efforts will continue to determine the appropriate methods of data dissemination in keeping with rapidly changing computer and internet technology.