An energy-related claim on the label of a conventional food has both public health and marketing dimensions. Labeling can provide consumers with information for addressing public health issues such as energy imbalance (overweight and underweight) and iron deficiency anemia. Some marketers and consumers have expressed interest in having the food label also provide information on foods to help consumers identify products intended to enhance athletic performance, provide brain fuel, influence neurotransmitter release, deal with fatigue and stress, and improve sleep. Overweight and underweight are well-documented public health issues that are amenable to food label information. The food label currently requires energy information, on calories and calories from fat as mandatory components of the Nutrition Facts panel. The energy-related nutrient content claims "calorie free," "low calorie," "light," and "diet" also are regulated. Specific energy content criteria must be met to make these claims.
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