[Databases of the chemical composition of foods in the era of digital nutrition science]

Abstract

By studying the chemical composition of foods, expanding the list of data on the content of nutrients, including minor biologically active substances, in the era of digital nutrition science, it became possible to create relevant systematic databases of the chemical composition of foods and rations in general. They allow us to solve various problems of modern society from the point of view of nutrition science. This review aim to analyze and generalize modern approaches to the formation and updating of databases of the chemical composition of food products from the standpoint of digital nutrition science. Results. This review considers the main provisions regarding creation of databases, directions for the development of food chemistry, discusses existing international programs for collecting and compiling data. The methods of systematizing data on the qualitative composition and content of biologically active and minor substances in products, as well as the problems associated with the development and metrological certification of highly selective highly sensitive analytical methods necessary to obtain reliable and reproducible data are considered. Conclusion. The development of digital nutrition science significantly increases the availability and quality of information on the chemical composition of foods, and allows it to be updated quickly. Further improvement of the quality of the data presented in the tables of chemical composition is associated with the establishment of stability and relationships between micro- and macro-components, their influence on the safety, stability of the chemical structure, the influence of the physic-chemical characteristics of the matrix on nutritive value of foods, determination of the content of specific minor components, development of relevant regulatory documents.

Keywords: databases of the chemical composition of food products; digital nutrition science.