NutriScrolls

Sources

Every source behind our numbers: food composition databases, values from single published studies, official reference intakes, and how we rate the evidence in our articles.

By · Updated

Editorial policy · How we use data

Every number on NutriScrolls comes from a named source. This page lists all of them. Food pages and nutrient pages also show the sources behind their own numbers in the “Data sources and method” box at the bottom of the page.

Where our numbers come from

Food composition data

Most nutrient values come from USDA FoodData Central. The other databases and studies below fill in compounds that USDA does not measure.

  • USDA FoodData Central. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service. FoodData Central (SR Legacy, Foundation Foods, FNDDS). fdc.nal.usda.gov
  • USDA Database for the Flavonoid Content of Selected Foods (Release 3.3 (2018)). Bhagwat S, Haytowitz DB. USDA Database for the Flavonoid Content of Selected Foods, Release 3.3 (March 2018). U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Nutrient Data Laboratory. doi:10.15482/USDA.ADC/1529181. Public domain (CC0). doi.org/10.15482/USDA.ADC/1529181
  • Frida, Danish Food Composition Database (5.5 (2025-11)). Langwagen M, Jacobsen J, Christensen T, Poulsen A. The Danish Food Composition Database, Frida version 5.5, November 2025. National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark. doi:10.11583/DTU.29500682. © Food Data (frida.fooddata.dk), licensed under CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). doi.org/10.11583/DTU.29500682
  • New Zealand Total Diet Study 2016, trace elements (figshare v1 (2019)). Pearson AJ, Ashmore E. Risk assessment of antimony, barium, beryllium, boron, bromine, lithium, nickel, strontium, thallium and uranium concentrations in the New Zealand diet. Food Addit Contam Part A 2020;37(3):451-464. doi:10.1080/19440049.2019.1704445. Data: doi:10.6084/m9.figshare.11470398.v1, CC BY 4.0. doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.11470398.v1
  • International Tables of Glycemic Index 2021 (AJCN 114:1625, Suppl. Tables 1-2). Atkinson FS, Brand-Miller JC, Foster-Powell K, Buyken AE, Goletzke J. International tables of glycemic index and glycemic load values 2021: a systematic review. Am J Clin Nutr 2021;114(5):1625-1632. doi:10.1093/ajcn/nqab233. Individual values cited; the tables are not reproduced. doi.org/10.1093/ajcn/nqab233
  • International Tables of Glycemic Index 2008 (Diabetes Care 31:2281, Table 1). Atkinson FS, Foster-Powell K, Brand-Miller JC. International tables of glycemic index and glycemic load values: 2008. Diabetes Care 2008;31(12):2281-2283. doi:10.2337/dc08-1239. Individual values cited; the tables are not reproduced. doi.org/10.2337/dc08-1239
  • Sager 2012, essential elements in cocoa (J Nutr Food Sci 2:123). Sager M. Chocolate and Cocoa Products as a Source of Essential Elements in Nutrition. J Nutr Food Sci 2012;2:123. Licensed under CC BY. longdom.org/open-access/chocolate-and-cocoa-products-as-a-source-of-essential-elements-in-nutrition-32447.html
  • Carlsen et al. 2010 (FRAP antioxidant content). Carlsen MH, Halvorsen BL, Holte K, et al. The total antioxidant content of more than 3100 foods, beverages, spices, herbs and supplements used worldwide. Nutrition Journal 2010;9:3. doi:10.1186/1475-2891-9-3 (PMC2841576). doi.org/10.1186/1475-2891-9-3

Values from single published studies

Where no database covers a food, we enter a measured value from one published study and cite it with the value.

  • Boron in spinach and tuna: ATSDR. Toxicological Profile for Boron. Atlanta: US DHHS; 2010. Chapter 6, Table 6-3.
  • Boron in dates: Hunt CD, Shuler TR, Mullen LM. J Am Diet Assoc 1991;91(5):558-568, as cited in WHO Environmental Health Criteria 204: Boron (1998).
  • Oxalic acid in spinach, rhubarb, beets, quinoa and buckwheat: Siener R. Nutrition and kidney stone disease. Nutrients 2021;13:1917, Table 3, citing Siener et al., Food Chem 2006;98:220-224.
  • Oxalic acid in wheat: Siener R, Hönow R, Voss S, Seidler A, Hesse A. Oxalate content of cereals and cereal products. J Agric Food Chem 2006;54:3008-3011.
  • Oxalic acid in sesame seeds, almonds, hazelnuts, pistachio nuts, black pepper, parsley, kiwifruit and figs: Siener R. Nutrition and kidney stone disease. Nutrients 2021;13:1917, Table 3, citing Hönow & Hesse, Food Chem 2002;78:511-521.

Values we calculate

A few values are sums or conversions of the values above. The method is stated with each one.

  • Composite nutrient values (computed). Computed by NutriScrolls as the sum of component values of the same food, each from its own source: total omega-3 (ALA + EPA + DPA + DHA), EPA + DHA, and total flavonoids (the flavonoid compounds of the USDA Flavonoid Database Release 3.3). The components are shown in the same nutrient table.
  • Folate DFE (computed). Computed by NutriScrolls from the food's USDA FoodData Central folate values when FoodData Central reports no Folate, DFE (435) for the record: µg DFE = µg food folate + 1.7 x µg folic acid (NASEM 1998; the basis of the FDA folate Daily Value, 21 CFR 101.9(c)(8)(iv)). Food folate = Folate, food (432); for an unfortified record that reports only Folate, total (417) and no folic acid, total folate is food folate. fdc.nal.usda.gov

Daily values and reference intakes

The % Daily Value and % Reference Intake figures, and the intake tables on nutrient pages, use these official sources.

  • FDA Daily Values (21 CFR 101.9 (2016 rule)). U.S. Food and Drug Administration. 21 CFR 101.9(c)(8)(iv) (Reference Daily Intakes) and 101.9(c)(9) (Daily Reference Values), adults and children 4 years and older; Food Labeling: Revision of the Nutrition and Supplement Facts Labels, 81 FR 33742 (2016). ecfr.gov/current/title-21/chapter-I/subchapter-B/part-101/subpart-A/section-101.9
  • EU Nutrient Reference Values (Regulation (EU) No 1169/2011). Regulation (EU) No 1169/2011 of the European Parliament and of the Council on the provision of food information to consumers, Annex XIII, Part A, point 1 (nutrient reference values for vitamins and minerals, adults). eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2011/1169/oj
  • EU Reference Intakes (energy and selected nutrients) (Regulation (EU) No 1169/2011). Regulation (EU) No 1169/2011 of the European Parliament and of the Council on the provision of food information to consumers, Annex XIII, Part B (reference intakes for energy and selected nutrients other than vitamins and minerals, adults: energy 8 400 kJ / 2 000 kcal, total fat 70 g, saturates 20 g, carbohydrate 260 g, sugars 90 g, protein 50 g, salt 6 g). Salt is converted to sodium with the regulation's own factor (salt = sodium x 2.5, Annex I), so the sodium reference intake is 2.4 g. eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2011/1169/oj

US Dietary Reference Intakes

  • NASEM DRI report: calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, vitamin D, fluoride (1997). Institute of Medicine, Food and Nutrition Board. Dietary Reference Intakes for Calcium, Phosphorus, Magnesium, Vitamin D, and Fluoride. Washington, DC: National Academy Press; 1997. doi:10.17226/5776. Used for phosphorus, magnesium and fluoride. Values as tabulated in the DRI summary tables, Appendix J of NASEM (2019) Dietary Reference Intakes for Sodium and Potassium (doi:10.17226/25353): RDAs and AIs (Vitamins; Elements; Total Water and Macronutrients) and ULs (Vitamins; Elements). doi.org/10.17226/5776
  • NASEM DRI report: B vitamins and choline (1998). Institute of Medicine, Food and Nutrition Board. Dietary Reference Intakes for Thiamin, Riboflavin, Niacin, Vitamin B6, Folate, Vitamin B12, Pantothenic Acid, Biotin, and Choline. Washington, DC: National Academy Press; 1998. doi:10.17226/6015. Values as tabulated in the DRI summary tables, Appendix J of NASEM (2019) Dietary Reference Intakes for Sodium and Potassium (doi:10.17226/25353): RDAs and AIs (Vitamins; Elements; Total Water and Macronutrients) and ULs (Vitamins; Elements). doi.org/10.17226/6015
  • NASEM DRI report: vitamin C, vitamin E, selenium, carotenoids (2000). Institute of Medicine, Food and Nutrition Board. Dietary Reference Intakes for Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Selenium, and Carotenoids. Washington, DC: National Academy Press; 2000. doi:10.17226/9810. Values as tabulated in the DRI summary tables, Appendix J of NASEM (2019) Dietary Reference Intakes for Sodium and Potassium (doi:10.17226/25353): RDAs and AIs (Vitamins; Elements; Total Water and Macronutrients) and ULs (Vitamins; Elements). doi.org/10.17226/9810
  • NASEM DRI report: vitamin A, vitamin K and trace elements (2001). Institute of Medicine, Food and Nutrition Board. Dietary Reference Intakes for Vitamin A, Vitamin K, Arsenic, Boron, Chromium, Copper, Iodine, Iron, Manganese, Molybdenum, Nickel, Silicon, Vanadium, and Zinc. Washington, DC: National Academy Press; 2001. doi:10.17226/10026. Values as tabulated in the DRI summary tables, Appendix J of NASEM (2019) Dietary Reference Intakes for Sodium and Potassium (doi:10.17226/25353): RDAs and AIs (Vitamins; Elements; Total Water and Macronutrients) and ULs (Vitamins; Elements). doi.org/10.17226/10026
  • NASEM DRI report: energy and macronutrients (2002/2005). Institute of Medicine, Food and Nutrition Board. Dietary Reference Intakes for Energy, Carbohydrate, Fiber, Fat, Fatty Acids, Cholesterol, Protein, and Amino Acids. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press; 2005. doi:10.17226/10490. Used for fiber, linoleic acid and alpha-linolenic acid. Values as tabulated in the DRI summary tables, Appendix J of NASEM (2019) Dietary Reference Intakes for Sodium and Potassium (doi:10.17226/25353): RDAs and AIs (Vitamins; Elements; Total Water and Macronutrients) and ULs (Vitamins; Elements). doi.org/10.17226/10490
  • NASEM DRI report: calcium and vitamin D (2011). Institute of Medicine. Dietary Reference Intakes for Calcium and Vitamin D. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press; 2011. doi:10.17226/13050. Values as tabulated in the DRI summary tables, Appendix J of NASEM (2019) Dietary Reference Intakes for Sodium and Potassium (doi:10.17226/25353): RDAs and AIs (Vitamins; Elements; Total Water and Macronutrients) and ULs (Vitamins; Elements). doi.org/10.17226/13050
  • NASEM DRI report: sodium and potassium (2019). National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. Dietary Reference Intakes for Sodium and Potassium. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press; 2019. doi:10.17226/25353. Includes the sodium Chronic Disease Risk Reduction Intakes (CDRR). Values as tabulated in the DRI summary tables, Appendix J of NASEM (2019) Dietary Reference Intakes for Sodium and Potassium (doi:10.17226/25353): RDAs and AIs (Vitamins; Elements; Total Water and Macronutrients) and ULs (Vitamins; Elements). doi.org/10.17226/25353

EFSA Dietary Reference Values

  • EFSA DRV opinion: fats (2010). EFSA NDA Panel. Scientific Opinion on Dietary Reference Values for fats, including saturated fatty acids, polyunsaturated fatty acids, monounsaturated fatty acids, trans fatty acids, and cholesterol. EFSA Journal 2010;8(3):1461. doi:10.2903/j.efsa.2010.1461. Values as listed in the EFSA DRV Finder (multimedia.efsa.europa.eu/drvs), checked against the EFSA DRV summary report (EFSA supporting publication 2017:e15121). doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2010.1461
  • EFSA DRV opinion: carbohydrates and dietary fibre (2010). EFSA NDA Panel. Scientific Opinion on Dietary Reference Values for carbohydrates and dietary fibre. EFSA Journal 2010;8(3):1462. doi:10.2903/j.efsa.2010.1462. Values as listed in the EFSA DRV Finder (multimedia.efsa.europa.eu/drvs), checked against the EFSA DRV summary report (EFSA supporting publication 2017:e15121). doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2010.1462
  • EFSA DRV opinion: calcium (2015). EFSA NDA Panel. Scientific Opinion on Dietary Reference Values for calcium. EFSA Journal 2015;13(5):4101. doi:10.2903/j.efsa.2015.4101. Values as listed in the EFSA DRV Finder (multimedia.efsa.europa.eu/drvs), checked against the EFSA DRV summary report (EFSA supporting publication 2017:e15121). doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2015.4101
  • EFSA DRV opinion: copper (2015). EFSA NDA Panel. Scientific Opinion on Dietary Reference Values for copper. EFSA Journal 2015;13(10):4253. doi:10.2903/j.efsa.2015.4253. Values as listed in the EFSA DRV Finder (multimedia.efsa.europa.eu/drvs), checked against the EFSA DRV summary report (EFSA supporting publication 2017:e15121). doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2015.4253
  • EFSA DRV opinion: fluoride (2013). EFSA NDA Panel. Scientific Opinion on Dietary Reference Values for fluoride. EFSA Journal 2013;11(8):3332. doi:10.2903/j.efsa.2013.3332. Values as listed in the EFSA DRV Finder (multimedia.efsa.europa.eu/drvs), checked against the EFSA DRV summary report (EFSA supporting publication 2017:e15121). doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2013.3332
  • EFSA DRV opinion: iodine (2014). EFSA NDA Panel. Scientific Opinion on Dietary Reference Values for iodine. EFSA Journal 2014;12(5):3660. doi:10.2903/j.efsa.2014.3660. Values as listed in the EFSA DRV Finder (multimedia.efsa.europa.eu/drvs), checked against the EFSA DRV summary report (EFSA supporting publication 2017:e15121). doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2014.3660
  • EFSA DRV opinion: iron (2015). EFSA NDA Panel. Scientific Opinion on Dietary Reference Values for iron. EFSA Journal 2015;13(10):4254. doi:10.2903/j.efsa.2015.4254. Values as listed in the EFSA DRV Finder (multimedia.efsa.europa.eu/drvs), checked against the EFSA DRV summary report (EFSA supporting publication 2017:e15121). doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2015.4254
  • EFSA DRV opinion: magnesium (2015). EFSA NDA Panel. Scientific Opinion on Dietary Reference Values for magnesium. EFSA Journal 2015;13(7):4186. doi:10.2903/j.efsa.2015.4186. Values as listed in the EFSA DRV Finder (multimedia.efsa.europa.eu/drvs), checked against the EFSA DRV summary report (EFSA supporting publication 2017:e15121). doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2015.4186
  • EFSA DRV opinion: manganese (2013). EFSA NDA Panel. Scientific Opinion on Dietary Reference Values for manganese. EFSA Journal 2013;11(11):3419. doi:10.2903/j.efsa.2013.3419. Values as listed in the EFSA DRV Finder (multimedia.efsa.europa.eu/drvs), checked against the EFSA DRV summary report (EFSA supporting publication 2017:e15121). doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2013.3419
  • EFSA DRV opinion: molybdenum (2013). EFSA NDA Panel. Scientific Opinion on Dietary Reference Values for molybdenum. EFSA Journal 2013;11(8):3333. doi:10.2903/j.efsa.2013.3333. Values as listed in the EFSA DRV Finder (multimedia.efsa.europa.eu/drvs), checked against the EFSA DRV summary report (EFSA supporting publication 2017:e15121). doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2013.3333
  • EFSA DRV opinion: phosphorus (2015). EFSA NDA Panel. Scientific Opinion on Dietary Reference Values for phosphorus. EFSA Journal 2015;13(7):4185. doi:10.2903/j.efsa.2015.4185. Values as listed in the EFSA DRV Finder (multimedia.efsa.europa.eu/drvs), checked against the EFSA DRV summary report (EFSA supporting publication 2017:e15121). doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2015.4185
  • EFSA DRV opinion: potassium (2016). EFSA NDA Panel. Dietary reference values for potassium. EFSA Journal 2016;14(10):4592. doi:10.2903/j.efsa.2016.4592. Values as listed in the EFSA DRV Finder (multimedia.efsa.europa.eu/drvs), checked against the EFSA DRV summary report (EFSA supporting publication 2017:e15121). doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2016.4592
  • EFSA DRV opinion: selenium (2014). EFSA NDA Panel. Scientific Opinion on Dietary Reference Values for selenium. EFSA Journal 2014;12(10):3846. doi:10.2903/j.efsa.2014.3846. Values as listed in the EFSA DRV Finder (multimedia.efsa.europa.eu/drvs), checked against the EFSA DRV summary report (EFSA supporting publication 2017:e15121). doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2014.3846
  • EFSA DRV opinion: sodium (2019). EFSA NDA Panel. Dietary reference values for sodium. EFSA Journal 2019;17(9):5778. doi:10.2903/j.efsa.2019.5778. Values as listed in the EFSA DRV Finder (multimedia.efsa.europa.eu/drvs), checked against the EFSA DRV summary report (EFSA supporting publication 2017:e15121). doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2019.5778
  • EFSA DRV opinion: zinc (2014). EFSA NDA Panel. Scientific Opinion on Dietary Reference Values for zinc. EFSA Journal 2014;12(10):3844. doi:10.2903/j.efsa.2014.3844. Values as listed in the EFSA DRV Finder (multimedia.efsa.europa.eu/drvs), checked against the EFSA DRV summary report (EFSA supporting publication 2017:e15121). doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2014.3844
  • EFSA DRV opinion: biotin (2014). EFSA NDA Panel. Scientific Opinion on Dietary Reference Values for biotin. EFSA Journal 2014;12(2):3580. doi:10.2903/j.efsa.2014.3580. Values as listed in the EFSA DRV Finder (multimedia.efsa.europa.eu/drvs), checked against the EFSA DRV summary report (EFSA supporting publication 2017:e15121). doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2014.3580
  • EFSA DRV opinion: choline (2016). EFSA NDA Panel. Dietary Reference Values for choline. EFSA Journal 2016;14(8):4484. doi:10.2903/j.efsa.2016.4484. Values as listed in the EFSA DRV Finder (multimedia.efsa.europa.eu/drvs), checked against the EFSA DRV summary report (EFSA supporting publication 2017:e15121). doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2016.4484
  • EFSA DRV opinion: cobalamin (vitamin B12) (2015). EFSA NDA Panel. Scientific Opinion on Dietary Reference Values for cobalamin (vitamin B12). EFSA Journal 2015;13(7):4150. doi:10.2903/j.efsa.2015.4150. Values as listed in the EFSA DRV Finder (multimedia.efsa.europa.eu/drvs), checked against the EFSA DRV summary report (EFSA supporting publication 2017:e15121). doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2015.4150
  • EFSA DRV opinion: folate (2014). EFSA NDA Panel. Scientific Opinion on Dietary Reference Values for folate. EFSA Journal 2014;12(11):3893. doi:10.2903/j.efsa.2014.3893. Values as listed in the EFSA DRV Finder (multimedia.efsa.europa.eu/drvs), checked against the EFSA DRV summary report (EFSA supporting publication 2017:e15121). doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2014.3893
  • EFSA DRV opinion: niacin (2014). EFSA NDA Panel. Scientific Opinion on Dietary Reference Values for niacin. EFSA Journal 2014;12(7):3759. doi:10.2903/j.efsa.2014.3759. Values as listed in the EFSA DRV Finder (multimedia.efsa.europa.eu/drvs), checked against the EFSA DRV summary report (EFSA supporting publication 2017:e15121). doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2014.3759
  • EFSA DRV opinion: pantothenic acid (2014). EFSA NDA Panel. Scientific Opinion on Dietary Reference Values for pantothenic acid. EFSA Journal 2014;12(2):3581. doi:10.2903/j.efsa.2014.3581. Values as listed in the EFSA DRV Finder (multimedia.efsa.europa.eu/drvs), checked against the EFSA DRV summary report (EFSA supporting publication 2017:e15121). doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2014.3581
  • EFSA DRV opinion: riboflavin (2017). EFSA NDA Panel. Dietary Reference Values for riboflavin. EFSA Journal 2017;15(8):4919. doi:10.2903/j.efsa.2017.4919. Values as listed in the EFSA DRV Finder (multimedia.efsa.europa.eu/drvs), checked against the EFSA DRV summary report (EFSA supporting publication 2017:e15121). doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2017.4919
  • EFSA DRV opinion: thiamin (2016). EFSA NDA Panel. Dietary reference values for thiamin. EFSA Journal 2016;14(12):4653. doi:10.2903/j.efsa.2016.4653. Values as listed in the EFSA DRV Finder (multimedia.efsa.europa.eu/drvs), checked against the EFSA DRV summary report (EFSA supporting publication 2017:e15121). doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2016.4653
  • EFSA DRV opinion: vitamin A (2015). EFSA NDA Panel. Scientific Opinion on Dietary Reference Values for vitamin A. EFSA Journal 2015;13(3):4028. doi:10.2903/j.efsa.2015.4028. Values as listed in the EFSA DRV Finder (multimedia.efsa.europa.eu/drvs), checked against the EFSA DRV summary report (EFSA supporting publication 2017:e15121). doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2015.4028
  • EFSA DRV opinion: vitamin B6 (2016). EFSA NDA Panel. Dietary Reference Values for vitamin B6. EFSA Journal 2016;14(6):4485. doi:10.2903/j.efsa.2016.4485. Values as listed in the EFSA DRV Finder (multimedia.efsa.europa.eu/drvs), checked against the EFSA DRV summary report (EFSA supporting publication 2017:e15121). doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2016.4485
  • EFSA DRV opinion: vitamin C (2013). EFSA NDA Panel. Scientific Opinion on Dietary Reference Values for vitamin C. EFSA Journal 2013;11(11):3418. doi:10.2903/j.efsa.2013.3418. Values as listed in the EFSA DRV Finder (multimedia.efsa.europa.eu/drvs), checked against the EFSA DRV summary report (EFSA supporting publication 2017:e15121). doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2013.3418
  • EFSA DRV opinion: vitamin D (2016). EFSA NDA Panel. Dietary reference values for vitamin D. EFSA Journal 2016;14(10):4547. doi:10.2903/j.efsa.2016.4547. Values as listed in the EFSA DRV Finder (multimedia.efsa.europa.eu/drvs), checked against the EFSA DRV summary report (EFSA supporting publication 2017:e15121). doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2016.4547
  • EFSA DRV opinion: vitamin E (2015). EFSA NDA Panel. Scientific Opinion on Dietary Reference Values for vitamin E as alpha-tocopherol. EFSA Journal 2015;13(7):4149. doi:10.2903/j.efsa.2015.4149. Values as listed in the EFSA DRV Finder (multimedia.efsa.europa.eu/drvs), checked against the EFSA DRV summary report (EFSA supporting publication 2017:e15121). doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2015.4149
  • EFSA DRV opinion: vitamin K (2017). EFSA NDA Panel. Dietary reference values for vitamin K. EFSA Journal 2017;15(5):4780. doi:10.2903/j.efsa.2017.4780. Values as listed in the EFSA DRV Finder (multimedia.efsa.europa.eu/drvs), checked against the EFSA DRV summary report (EFSA supporting publication 2017:e15121). doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2017.4780
  • EFSA DRV opinion: protein (2012). EFSA NDA Panel. Scientific Opinion on Dietary Reference Values for protein. EFSA Journal 2012;10(2):2557. doi:10.2903/j.efsa.2012.2557. PRI in g per kg body weight per day as listed in the EFSA DRV summary report (EFSA supporting publication 2017:e15121), Table 3, times the reference body weights of Table 17 (adults: EFSA 2013 energy opinion), stored in g/day to one decimal. Pregnancy and lactation add EFSA's increment to the woman's value. doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2012.2557

Safe upper intake levels

  • EFSA opinion: UL calcium (2012). EFSA NDA Panel. Scientific Opinion on the Tolerable Upper Intake Level of calcium. EFSA Journal 2012;10(7):2814. doi:10.2903/j.efsa.2012.2814. Checked against the EFSA Overview on Tolerable Upper Intake Levels, version 11 (August 2025). doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2012.2814
  • EFSA opinion: UL folate (2023). EFSA NDA Panel. Scientific opinion on the tolerable upper intake level for folate. EFSA Journal 2023;21(11):8353. doi:10.2903/j.efsa.2023.8353. Checked against the EFSA Overview on Tolerable Upper Intake Levels, version 11 (August 2025). doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2023.8353
  • EFSA opinion: UL preformed vitamin A (2024). EFSA NDA Panel. Scientific opinion on the tolerable upper intake level for preformed vitamin A and beta-carotene. EFSA Journal 2024;22(6):8814. doi:10.2903/j.efsa.2024.8814. Checked against the EFSA Overview on Tolerable Upper Intake Levels, version 11 (August 2025). doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2024.8814
  • EFSA opinion: UL vitamin B6 (2023). EFSA NDA Panel. Scientific opinion on the tolerable upper intake level for vitamin B6. EFSA Journal 2023;21(5):8006. doi:10.2903/j.efsa.2023.8006. Checked against the EFSA Overview on Tolerable Upper Intake Levels, version 11 (August 2025). doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2023.8006
  • EFSA opinion: UL vitamin D (2023). EFSA NDA Panel. Scientific opinion on the tolerable upper intake level for vitamin D, including the derivation of a conversion factor for calcidiol monohydrate. EFSA Journal 2023;21(8):8145. doi:10.2903/j.efsa.2023.8145. Checked against the EFSA Overview on Tolerable Upper Intake Levels, version 11 (August 2025). doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2023.8145
  • EFSA opinion: UL vitamin D, infants (2018). EFSA NDA Panel. Update of the tolerable upper intake level for vitamin D for infants. EFSA Journal 2018;16(8):5365. doi:10.2903/j.efsa.2018.5365. Checked against the EFSA Overview on Tolerable Upper Intake Levels, version 11 (August 2025). doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2018.5365
  • EFSA opinion: UL vitamin E (2024). EFSA NDA Panel. Scientific opinion on the tolerable upper intake level for vitamin E. EFSA Journal 2024;22(8):8953. doi:10.2903/j.efsa.2024.8953. Retains the SCF ULs from age 1 year; adds infant ULs. Checked against the EFSA Overview on Tolerable Upper Intake Levels, version 11 (August 2025). doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2024.8953
  • EFSA opinion: UL selenium (2023). EFSA NDA Panel. Scientific opinion on the tolerable upper intake level for selenium. EFSA Journal 2023;21(1):7704. doi:10.2903/j.efsa.2023.7704. Checked against the EFSA Overview on Tolerable Upper Intake Levels, version 11 (August 2025). doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2023.7704
  • EFSA opinion: UL boron (2004). EFSA NDA Panel. Opinion of the Scientific Panel on Dietetic products, nutrition and allergies [NDA] related to the Tolerable Upper Intake Level of Boron (Sodium Borate and Boric Acid). EFSA Journal 2004;2(8):80. doi:10.2903/j.efsa.2004.80. Checked against the EFSA Overview on Tolerable Upper Intake Levels, version 11 (August 2025). doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2004.80
  • EFSA opinion: fluoride risk assessment (UL) (2025). EFSA Scientific Committee. Updated consumer risk assessment of fluoride in food and drinking water including the contribution from other sources of oral exposure. EFSA Journal 2025;23(7):9478. doi:10.2903/j.efsa.2025.9478. Checked against the EFSA Overview on Tolerable Upper Intake Levels, version 11 (August 2025). doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2025.9478
  • SCF/EFSA Tolerable Upper Intake Levels for Vitamins and Minerals (2006). European Food Safety Authority. Tolerable Upper Intake Levels for Vitamins and Minerals. Scientific Committee on Food and Scientific Panel on Dietetic Products, Nutrition and Allergies; 2006 (SCF opinions 2000-2003 on copper, iodine, magnesium, molybdenum, niacin and zinc). Checked against the EFSA Overview on Tolerable Upper Intake Levels, version 11 (August 2025). efsa.europa.eu/sites/default/files/efsa_rep/blobserver_assets/ndatolerableuil.pdf

Studies in our articles

Health claims in our food, nutrient and phytonutrient articles come from published studies. Each study card links to the study on PubMed, and each section lists its other sources directly under it. We check every PubMed ID before a page goes live.

How we rate evidence

Every health benefit on NutriScrolls carries an evidence label, such as “Evidence: Strong”. It tells you how much you can lean on the claim. Tap a label on any page for a short explanation.

We look at five things: the type of study (a randomized trial says more than a survey), its size, whether different studies agree, how long it ran, and whether regulators such as the FDA or EFSA have approved the claim. When a study was paid for by the food industry, we mention that on the card.

LabelWhat it means
StrongA meta-analysis of randomized trials with consistent results, or a health claim approved by regulators.
ModerateGood randomized trials support it, or a meta-analysis whose results vary.
LimitedSmall or short trials, a single trial, or mixed results.
ObservationalCohort or case-control studies. They show a link, not a cause.
Lab onlyStudies in cells or animals.

Reusing our data

You are welcome to reuse the nutrition facts tables and nutrient density scores on our food pages, including in apps and commercial work. They are licensed under Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 (CC BY 4.0). The only condition is credit: name NutriScrolls and link to the page you used. For example: “Source: NutriScrolls (nutriscrolls.com), based on USDA FoodData Central.”

The license covers this data only. Our articles, study summaries, images and other page text are not covered and stay copyrighted. The USDA values themselves are public domain, so you can also take them straight from FoodData Central.