How is nutrient density defined?

• A. The proportion of calories to total weight
• B. The ratio of essential nutrients to calories in a food
• C. The total number of nutrients in a meal
• D. The amount of protein per serving size

Answer: (B)

Nutrient density is accurately defined as the ratio of essential nutrients to calories in a food. This concept highlights the nutritional value of a food item relative to its caloric content, indicating how many vitamins, minerals, and other beneficial compounds a food contains compared to the number of calories it provides. Foods that are considered nutrient-dense offer a high level of essential nutrients for a relatively low number of calories, making them a preferable choice for a balanced diet.

In practice, nutrient-dense foods, such as vegetables, fruits, whole grains, lean proteins, and low-fat dairy, provide significant health benefits without contributing to excessive calorie intake. This is particularly important for individuals seeking to maintain or lose weight while ensuring they obtain adequate nutrition.

The other choices do not accurately capture the essence of nutrient density. For instance, simply considering the proportion of calories to total weight does not reflect the nutrient content but merely the physical mass of food. Counting total nutrients in a meal does not take into account the calories, and focusing solely on the amount of protein per serving size ignores the broader context of overall nutrient intake and balance.