[Skip to Content]
[Skip to Content Landing]

Talking to Patients About Using the Nutrition Facts Label to Make Healthy Food Choices

Learning Objectives
1. Review the purpose of the Nutrition Facts label as regulated by FDA
2. Explain the serving information, calories, and % Daily Value on the Nutrition Facts label
3. Recognize the various nutrients listed on the Nutrition Facts label and their association with certain health conditions
4. Teach patients how to use the information on the Nutrition Facts label to make informed food choices
1 Credit CME

The American Medical Association in collaboration with the US Food and Drug Administration has developed a series of videos to help physicians and other health care professionals counsel patients about using the Nutrition Facts label to make healthy food choices that can reduce the risk of developing some health conditions. One of the simplest ways patients can make daily decisions that have a lasting impact on their health is by using the Nutrition Facts label on food and beverage packages. This video series will assist physicians in increasing their knowledge of the Nutrition Facts label, provide practical strategies for discussing the label with their patients, and better equip them to offer nutrition guidance that supports healthy eating habits.

Video 1
Understanding Servings, Calories, and Percent Daily Value on the Nutrition Label

While most patients understand basics of nutrition, it can be hard to achieve a balanced diet without reading the nutrition labels of products. In this video, Willarda V. Edwards, MD, MBA, FACP, a member of the AMA Board of Trustees, will review the regulation of the Nutrition Facts label and three key sections of the label: servings, calories, and percent Daily Value. When choosing and comparing packaged foods and beverages, the Nutrition Facts label can help patients make informed decisions that can have positive effects on their long-term health.

Video 2
Nutrient Overview and Nutrients to Get More Of

It can be hard to get proper amount of certain nutrients. This video provides an overview of the nutrients listed on the Nutrition Facts label and discusses the nutrients that are important for patients to get more of. Many Americans do not get the recommended amount of certain nutrients in their diets: dietary fiber, calcium, vitamin D, potassium, and iron. The video also reviews the health benefits of these nutrients and provides tips for patients to include foods with more of these nutrients in their diets.

Video 3
Nutrients to Get Less Of

Most Americans exceed the recommended limits for certain nutrients in their diets: saturated fat, sodium, and added sugars. This video reviews how the Nutrition Facts label can help patients compare and choose foods and beverages lower in these nutrients, which can help reduce their risk of developing some health conditions.

Video 4
Understanding the Nutrition Facts Label and How Do I Use It?

Some patients may want more guidance on how to approach nutrition labels while grocery shopping. This video provides a general overview of the four key sections of the Nutrition Facts label: servings, calories, percent Daily Value, and nutrients. The video offers practical guidance for patients on how to use the Nutrition Facts label to compare packaged foods and beverages and make healthy dietary choices. It is designed to help physicians and other health care professionals educate patients, and can also be shared directly with patients.

Sign in to take quiz and track your certificates

To help improve the quality of its educational content and meet applicable education accreditation requirements, the content provider will receive record of your participation and responses to this activity.

Article Information

AMA CME Accreditation Information

CME Disclosure Statement: Unless noted, all individuals in control of content reported no relevant financial relationships.

If applicable, all relevant financial relationships have been mitigated.

Credit Renewal Date: April 18, 2023

AMA CME Accreditation Information

Credit Designation Statement: The American Medical Association designates this Enduring Material activity for a maximum of 1.00  AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

Successful completion of this CME activity, which includes participation in the evaluation component, enables the participant to earn up to:

  • 1.00 Medical Knowledge MOC points in the American Board of Internal Medicine's (ABIM) Maintenance of Certification (MOC) program;;
  • 1.00 Self-Assessment points in the American Board of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery’s (ABOHNS) Continuing Certification program;
  • 1.00 MOC points in the American Board of Pediatrics’ (ABP) Maintenance of Certification (MOC) program;
  • 1.00 Lifelong Learning points in the American Board of Pathology’s (ABPath) Continuing Certification program; and
  • 1.00 credit toward the CME of the American Board of Surgery’s Continuous Certification program

It is the CME activity provider's responsibility to submit participant completion information to ACCME for the purpose of granting MOC credit.

Close
Close
Close

My Saved Searches

You currently have no searches saved.

Close

My Saved Courses

You currently have no courses saved.

Close
Close

Name Your Search

Save Search
Close
Close

Lookup An Activity

or