The missing number in DV equation is Reference Daily Intake (RDI) level. The RDI for protein is, generally, 50 grams per day. Consumers can take number of total grams of protein in a product, and divide it by this RDI for protein to determine what “optimum” DV number should be.

For example, if a product offers 25 grams of protein, and RDI is 50 grams per day, then product’s “optimum” DV will be 50%. Therefore, figure “50%” should appear on product’s labeling. If number is lower than 50%, consumers instantly know that it is not an optimum source of protein.

Finding high quality sources for essential micronutrients like protein (among others) is a challenge that should not be difficult, but it is, because some food makers do not want to educate consumers on how to detect high quality from low quality. This is particularly unfortunate in health and nutrition food industry, where one would expect manufacturers strive for high quality nutrition. Regrettably, this is not always case.

However, that is not reason to despair. Rather, it just as much reason to support companies that are making effort to ensure that their products reflect only high quality DV levels, and a concurrent effort to educate public on how to determine optimum DV.

About Protica

Founded in 2001, Protica, Inc. is a nutritional research firm with offices in Lafayette Hill and Conshohocken, Pennsylvania. Protica manufactures capsulized foods, including Profect, a compact, hypoallergenic, ready-to-drink protein beverage containing zero carbohydrates and zero fat. Information on Protica is available at www.protica.com

You can also learn about Profect at www.profect.com

[1] The FDA is clear that DV concept is not intended to direct people on how much they should eat. In this example, eater should not conclude that eating 10 cans of beans will achieve “100% of recommended fat intake per day”. The DV is intended as a reference number only and not as a recommendation. The intake per day is suggested by RDA/RDI, which will be discussed further in this article.

[2] Kwashiorkor is more prevalent in some parts of developing world, but incidences have been reported in US.

References

[i] Source: “Food Pyramid History”. http://iml.jou.ufl.edu/projects/Fall02/Greene/history.htm

[ii] Source: America’s Eating Habits: Changes and Consequences. USDA. http://www.ers.usda.gov/publications/aib750/

[iii] Source “Daily Values Encourage Healthy Eating”. FDA. http://www.fda.gov/fdac/special/foodlabel/dvs.html

[iv] Source: “The Importance of Protein”. OhioHealth. http://www.ohiohealth.com/facilities/mcconnell/weightmanage/details/protein.htm

Copyright 2004 - Protica Research - http://www.protica.com

About Protica

Founded in 2001, Protica, Inc. is a nutritional research firm with offices in Lafayette Hill and Conshohocken, Pennsylvania. Protica manufactures capsulized foods, including Profect, a compact, hypoallergenic, ready-to-drink protein beverage containing zero carbohydrates and zero fat. You can learn more about Protica at www.protica.com -- Information on Profect is available at www.profect.com

CONVENIENCE

Every once in a while, maybe even every evening, we want to sit down to a well-set table and share a meal with family or friends. Capsulized food is not about taking this important ritual out of our lives, and it is not about replacing fresh foods. The reality of living in 21st century is that most people spend their day working, and this means kitchen or garden is inaccessible. This is true for stay-at-home moms as well as business executives putting in long days at office.

This on-the-go lifestyle is not compatible with eating nutritious meals. The difficulty of finding time for a proper meal has led many people to become dependent upon compact snack or junk foods that they can keep in their purse or briefcase. These compact foods have become a mainstay of American diet because they are portable and can be consumed quickly. However we often find that portability, and thus convenience, of these foods is lacking. The traditional convenience foods that we can find in grocery and convenience stores are not generally packaged with rough transportation in mind. The packaging of many food and beverage products accidentally break open after they have spent time in a bag or purse.

Another common complaint surfaces once packaging is opened. Many convenience foods—meal replacement bars, for example—are sticky or crumbly. You can also find yourself reaching for water to wash them down. Problem is, convenience should mean ‘napkins and water not required’.

While portability and quick consumption are two things that we have come to look for in a convenient food, these traits are often illusive.

Protica Research offers two innovations when it comes to convenience. First, their Profect protein beverage is a liquid—and weighs less than three fluid ounces—which means that you can quickly and easily consume it even while on run. Second, Profect takes portability to a new level by packaging it in a patent-pending, virtually unbreakable container. This means that it can be taken absolutely anywhere, and you will not have to worry about your meal ending up all over your purse or briefcase.

HOW TO MEET OUR MODERN NUTRITION NEEDS

The advent of health-consciousness has come at a time when our lifestyles are increasingly hectic. This means that people are looking for a healthy, nutritious, and portable food that is quick to consume. In order to meet this demand, food industry must adapt and respond. Companies like Protica Research are developing capsulized foods that will deliver on-the-go nutrition that is more portable, more convenient and more palatable than its predecessors.

About Protica

Founded in 2001, Protica, Inc. is a nutritional research firm with offices in Lafayette Hill and Conshohocken, Pennsylvania. Protica manufactures capsulized foods, including Profect, a compact, hypoallergenic, ready-to-drink protein beverage containing zero carbohydrates and zero fat. Information on Protica is available at www.protica.com

You can also learn about Profect at www.profect.com

Copyright 2004 - Protica Research - http://www.protica.com

About Protica

Founded in 2001, Protica, Inc. is a nutritional research firm with offices in Lafayette Hill and Conshohocken, Pennsylvania. Protica manufactures capsulized foods, including Profect, a compact, hypoallergenic, ready-to-drink protein beverage containing zero carbohydrates and zero fat. You can learn more about Protica at www.protica.com -- Information on Profect is available at www.profect.com