Statistics for Food and Supplement SRMs

Summary

SED has had a long and extensive collaboration with the Materials Measurement Laboratory in working toward the certification of standard reference materials. Each material undergoes a thorough statistical analysis with resulting analyte levels and uncertainties.

Description

DESCRIPTION:

NIST's program of food and  reference materials  with reliable content values for various nutrients helps the food industry  comply with FDA rules and helps consumers in making dietary choices. The Nutrition Labeling and Education Act of 1990 requires that labels on processed foods distributed in the United States specify the amount of  total fat, saturated fat, cholesterol, total carbohydrate, dietary fiber, sugars, protein, vitamin A, vitamin C, sodium, calcium, and iron contained in a single serving.  In addition the manufacturer may also provide information about any other vitamin, mineral, or nutrient.  To facilitate compliance with this law, well-characterized reference  materials are needed by laboratories in the food testing and nutrition communities.  NIST has provided and continues to provide reference materials with  certified and reference values for vitamins and other nutrients. SED performs a statistical analysis on each material, including the estimated nutrient levels and their expanded uncertainties.

There are frequently subsequent papers published in the scientific literature about the relevant SRMs with co-authorship by an SED staff member.

 

Major Accomplishments

There have been dozens of food and supplement SRMs certified by NIST in recent years.  Some recent ones include:

SRM 2972a 25-Hydroxyvitamin D Calibration Solutions

SRM 1546a Meat Homogenate

SRM 3237 Soy Protein Concentrate

SRM 1845a Whole Egg Powder