Quantifying nutrients and beyond: Analytical approaches for food composition tables and databases

Food composition tables and databases (FCTs/DBs) are fundamental resources for evaluating nutrient content, shaping dietary guidelines, and supporting nutrition policy. However, traditional FCTs/DBs typically report only total nutrient values, overlooking factors that influence nutrient absorption and utilization. This review highlights the importance of incorporating anti-nutritional factors (ANFs), digestibility, and bioavailability data often missing from existing FCTs/DBs but crucial for accurately assessing nutritional quality. These aspects are examined through a range of methods, from conventional assays to advanced technologies, indicating an expanded analytical framework that combines nutritional research with emerging technologies. By reviewing current methodologies and identifying critical data gaps, this work advocates for a more comprehensive approach to developing FCTs/DBs. This broader perspective enhances understanding of nutrient dynamics across populations and addresses limitations in current data, enabling more accurate dietary assessments and evidence-based nutrition planning. ▪ FCTs/DBs serve as compilations of nutritional contents of foods for diverse applications. ▪ Quality of FCTs/DBs depends on data collection, with direct analysis, the ideal approach. ▪ While costly, advanced analytical techniques enhance sensitivity, accuracy, and precision. ▪ Total nutrient content of food does not accurately represent its nutrient bioavailability. ▪ Comprehensive FCTs/DBs should encompass ANFs, digestibility and bioavailability data.