(P09-015-24) USDA/NIH-ODS Special Interest Databases for Dietary Supplements and Foods: Bridging Data Gaps for Dietary Health

Objectives: To establish dynamic special interest databases (SIDs) on dietary components of public health importance by providing high-quality, validated composition data on dietary supplements (DS) and foods sold in the US to fill data gaps needed to address dietary concerns of at-risk US subpopulations.

Methods: A multi-faceted approach was used to develop SIDs. Dietary components were identified based on scientific need and public health priority. Subsequently, a rigorous review of published analytical data on foods and DS determined the availability of existing data. Literature data was evaluated using a modified version of the USDA Data Quality Evaluation Standard (DQES). Analytical data was generated internally by analyzing representative DS and food samples on the US market using validated methods. Data was compiled into an SID that included food categories and descriptions, sample size, summary statistics, serving size, and data sources. Following peer review and approval, SIDs were published on USDA’s Methods and Application of Food Composition Laboratory (MAFCL) website with documentation.

Results: Iodine: The USDA/NIH-ODS iodine initiative began in 2016 due to concerns regarding fetal and maternal health, resulting in the publication of an iodine SID. The “USDA, FDA and ODS-NIH Database for the Iodine Content of Common Foods” Release 4.0 will contain new dairy and seafood data, expanding on Release 3.0 (March 2023; >450 foods).

Purines, nitrate and nitrite, and glucosinolates: All SIDs will receive updates or inaugural releases in 2024. An update to the “USDA and ODS-NIH Database for the Purine Content of Foods” (Feb. 2023) will include new analytical data for approximately 45 foods and 5 DS. USDA’s Nitrate and Nitrite Database will contain data for at least 125 foods and 10 DS. Glucosinolate data collection is underway; the SID will contain primarily Brassica vegetables.

Methylxanthines: An SID is under development pending 2025.

Conclusions: In 2024, four SIDs containing novel or updated US-based analytical data for iodine, nitrate and nitrite, purines, and glucosinolates will be published. A methylxanthines SID is under development. These SIDs will aid health care providers, researchers, and consumers, contribute to updated dietary guidelines, and improve population-level nutrient exposure estimates.

Funding Sources: Research was funded by NIH-ODS.