How is the nutritional value of a product determined?

Answer

The nutritional value of a product is determined by chemical analysis of that product in which the content of the various nutrients is studied.

Bomb calorimetry (a combustion method) can be used to determine directly how many calories a product provides. This can also be done indirectly by separately determining the macronutrients fats, proteins, carbohydrates and alcohol; by means of a simple calculation, one also obtains the amount of calories in that product.

1 gram of protein contains 4 kcal.

1 gram of carbohydrates (sugars and starch) also contains 4 kcal.

1 gram of fat contains 9 kcal.

1 gram of alcohol contains 7 kcal.

The content of vitamins and minerals is always determined individually.

The nutritional value of many foods on the Belgian market can be found in the Belgian food table (www.nubel.com). There is also a calculation program (the food planner).