How Food Label Reference Values (DV)
Compare to the
Nutritional Recommendations for Children
 
Nutrient 
 
DV 
Nutrient Recommendations by Age (DRI)*

2 - 3
years

4 - 8
years

9 - 13
years

14 - 18 yr
girls

14 - 18 yr
boys
Protein (grams)

50

13

19

34

46

52
Iron (mg)

18

7

10

8

15

11

Calcium (mg)

1,000

500

800

1300

1300

1300

Vitamin A (IU)

5000

1000

1333

2000

2333

3000

Vitamin C (mg)

60

15

25

45

65

75
Fiber (g)

23

14 - 19

19 - 23

23- 28 (girls)
25- 31 (boys)

23

31-34
Sodium (mg)

2400

1000- 1500

1200- 1900

1500-2200

1500-2300

1500-2300
Cholesterol (mg)

300

<300 for over age 2

<300

<300

<300

<300

Total Fat (g)**

65

33 - 54

(30 -35% of calories)

39 - 62

(25 - 35% of calories)

62 - 85

(25 - 35% calories)

55 - 78

(25 - 35% calories)

61 - 95

(25 - 35% of calories)

Saturated Fat (g)**

20

12 - 16
(> age 2 )

(<10% calories)

16 to 18

(<10% calories)

girls:
18-22
boys:
20-24

(<10% calories)

22

(<10% calories)

24 - 27

(<10% calories)
Calories***

2000 

1000 - 1400
(2-3 years)

1400-1600

girls:
1600-2000
boys:
1800-2200

2000

2200- 2400

Source:
1999 - 2002 Dietary Reference Intakes, Institutes of Medicine and 2005 Dietary Guidelines
©Children's Nutrition Research Center at Baylor College of Medicine