Frequently Asked Questions

The most nutrient-dense foods are those that offer the greatest value in terms of bioavailable and absorbable nutrients sourced directly from nature. These rich, wholesome foods are what our ancestors consumed and what our bodies have been finely tuned to digest over millennia. Such foods inherently contain a complex array of essential vitamins, minerals, fats, proteins, carbohydrates, antioxidants, and raw enzymes.

Though the exact number of essential nutrients hasn't been officially determined, over the past century, humans have uncovered many vital nutrients necessary for life. The absence of these nutrients has been linked to specific diseases, such as scurvy resulting from a vitamin C deficiency, which notably affected sailors and explorers on their sea voyages centuries ago. Our company has identified about 50 essential and conditionally essential nutrients, all backed by credible sources and solid data. Additionally, the most nutrient-dense foods providing these nutrients are also rich in other lesser-known, yet-to-be-discovered, or unmeasured nutrients that are still beneficial. This highlights the importance of selecting nutrient-dense foods for their established benefits and their potential to offer a broader spectrum of nutrients, a prospect continuously supported by ongoing research and discoveries.

Essential nutrients, which the body cannot produce and must be obtained from external sources, are required for human life. Conditionally essential nutrients, on the other hand, are compounds that the body can create but may face challenges due to factors such as nutrient deficiencies or specific health conditions. Our investment in researching and including both essential and conditionally essential nutrients in our data sets us apart from others.

Bioavailability is crucial in the context of nutrition from real foods, as it significantly influences how effectively the body can absorb and utilize nutrients. Key factors affecting bioavailability include antinutrients, enzyme inhibitors, and the effects of cooking. Antinutrients like phytates, found in grains and legumes, can hinder the absorption of essential minerals. Enzyme inhibitors in various foods can interfere with nutrient digestion and absorption. The impact of heat during cooking is also pivotal; for example, cooking increases the bioavailability of lycopene in tomatoes but can diminish the levels of vitamin C. Additionally, the presence of fats can enhance the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins, whereas fiber can bind to certain nutrients, reducing their uptake. Understanding these elements is essential to maximize the nutritional value of real foods, as it helps in choosing the right food combinations and preparation methods to optimize nutrient absorption.

While there is solid data on bioavailability for many nutrients, it's important to note that this information is not comprehensive for all nutrients and factors. To address this, The Nutrient Density Chart™ has incorporated a bioavailability legend into our products, such as our books. This legend helps users understand if a certain factor generally increases or decreases the bioavailability of a specific nutrient.

The legend provides a quick reference to gauge how different factors like heat, the source of the nutrient (animal or plant-based), and preparation techniques (such as sprouting, soaking, or germinating) can impact the absorption of nutrients. This feature is particularly valuable as it acknowledges the complexities and variations in nutrient bioavailability, guiding users to make more informed choices about their diet.

By including this bioavailability legend, The Nutrient Density Chart™ aims to equip users with the knowledge to optimize their nutrient intake, even in the absence of complete data for every nutrient and interaction. This approach enhances the practicality and usefulness of our products for those seeking to understand and improve their nutritional intake.

The foundation of our products at the Nutrient Density Chart™ is exceptionally strong, thanks to our reliance on two main branches of credible sources: the Food Composition Database standards by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the peer-reviewed scientific journals from The American Society for Nutrition, particularly The Journal of Nutrition (JN) and The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition (AJCN). The FAO's global standards provide a comprehensive framework for food composition data, while the scholarly input from JN and AJCN ensures our products are informed by thorough and respected research in the field of nutrition science. This meticulous combination of authoritative global standards and respected scientific literature makes our products highly credible and capable of standing up to analysis.

Our company's foundation is built on the understanding that the nutrients found in real food are fundamentally different from those in synthetic, fortified supplements commonly seen in processed foods or multivitamins. Real food provides nutrients that are accompanied by numerous other compounds, some of which are yet to be discovered or measured. In contrast, synthetic nutrients are produced through a manufacturing process. This distinction is crucial, particularly in cases like Vitamin A, where excessive consumption through supplements can be toxic—a risk not typically associated with natural food sources. Recognizing these differences, our company was established with a commitment to focus on the most nutrient-dense sources of each essential nutrient from real food rather than synthetic alternatives.

We offer two distinct products that cater to different customer needs.

The Nutrient Density Chart® provides a comprehensive approach to nutrition for customers seeking detailed insights. By analyzing data from international food composition databases and peer-reviewed scientific journals, this product offers an in-depth understanding to support informed dietary decisions based on thorough nutritional science.

On the other hand, The Nutrient Density Tracker™ is designed for individuals who prioritize immediate use without the complexities of in-depth nutritional analysis. With a focus on simplicity and accessibility, this product enables users to effortlessly track essential nutrients and maintain a balanced diet, streamlining the process and saving time.