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Reading Labels

When using the Percent Daily Values (% DV) found in the "Nutrition Facts" section on food information labels, it is important to keep in mind that they are based on a 2,000 calorie per day diet. Your own caloric requirements may be higher or lower depending on your age, sex, and activity level.

For example, the recommended Daily Value for total fat, based on a 2,000 calorie diet, is 65 grams. The chocolate almond bar listed on the chart of Nutrient Profiles of Selected Candy contains 14 grams of fat, which supplies 22 percent of the Daily Value for a 2,000 calorie diet. But, if you are on a 2,800 calorie diet, the bar provides only 15 percent of your daily allowance for fat.

The chart below illustrates the Daily Reference Values for diets of different caloric levels.

Total Fat	53 g	65 g	73 g	93 g
Saturated Fat	18 g	20 g	24 g	31 g
Total Carbohydrate	240 g	300 g	330 g	420 g
Dietary Fiber	20 g	25 g	27 g	32 g
Protein	46 g	50 g	55 g	70 g
Cholesterol less than *	300 mg	300 mg	300 mg	300 mg
Sodium less than *	2400 mg	2400 mg	2400 mg	2400 mg

* The Daily Reference Value for cholesterol and sodium is the same for diets of all calorie levels.