The Nutrient-Rich Foods (NRF) family of nutrient profile models included beneficial nutrients as well as nutrients to limit. The NRF model performance was repeatedly tested against the Healthy Eating Index (HEI), an independent measure of a healthy diet. The final NRF9.3 index was based on 9 nutrients to encourage (protein; fiber; vitamins A, C, and E; calcium; iron; potassium; and magnesium) and on 3 nutrients to limit (saturated fat, added sugar, and sodium). Higher NRF9.3 scores were associated with lower energy density and more nutrient-rich diets.
The nutrient density of foods, together with an efficient program of consumer education, can become the foundation of dietary recommendations and guidelines.