% values on nutrition labels

[KimDW]

I've always wondered about the percent values on nutition labels. They list all the vitamins and a percentage and says that the values are based on a 2000 calorie diet. So how do you figure the amounts? I have one that says the calcium is 10%. How do I know how much calcium is in this? Anyone know?

Kimbra

 

[materialsgirl]

I believe when they say 10% Calcium, for example, that means the supplement contains 10% of the RDA of calcium. The RDA of calcium is 1000 mg for most women. So, that supplement contains 100 mg of calcium.

Here are some tables showing the currently established RDAs for various vitamins and minerals:

http://www.anyvitamins.com/rda.htm

 

[KimDW]

Thanks Emily,

Does this apply to food? My oatmeal bowl (quaker express) said it had 10% Calcium.

Kimbra