Nutrient Database-to-go - Science Update - Brief Article

Agricultural Research, Oct, 2003

Making healthier nutrition choices has now gotten easier. A searchable version of USDA's National Nutrient Database is now available free of charge for download to personal computers. A portable version of the database has been available since October 2002 for users of personal digital assistants (PDAs). The availability now extends to those with personal computers. After an initial download from the USDA web site, users can search for nutrient information for more than 6,000 food items in any of 22 food-group categories. The consumer can also modify the portion to suit individual needs.

Researchers worked with cooperators at HealtheTech, Inc., of Golden, Colorado. under a cooperative research and development agreement to provide this downloadable application. The PC version requires 70 megabytes of disk space and an operating system of Windows 98SE or later. The PDA version runs on the Palm operating system.

To download the nutrient database program, go to www.nal.usda.gov/fnic/foodcomp. Under the red "Search the Nutrient Database" label, click on "Download Software." Vincent de Jesus, USDA-ARS Nutrient Data Laboratory, Beltsville, Maryland; phone (301) 504-0691, e-mail vdejesus@rbhnrc.usda.gov.