WASHINGTON – Nutrient data will soon be available via interactive web sites and smart phone applications, according the US Department of Agriculture's Agricultural Research Service (ARS).

A downloadable version of USDA's National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference (SR) will include a listing of more than 7,600 food items and their nutrient composition. ARS Beltsville Human Nutrition Research Center (BHNRC) manages the SR and other nutrient databases. The BHNRC already offers free electronic access to the SR in a variety of formats via its web site, ARS said. Also, many free and for-free nutrition "apps" for the iPhone, iPod Touch, Android, Windows Phone 7 and BlackBerry handheld devices are based on the download an import of BHNRC nutrient databases, the agency said.

Governmental nutrition web sites and sites run by private businesses also use BHNRC nutrient data, according to ARS. For example, BHNRC's nutrient databases are available for download within interactive software products provided by commercial weight-loss enterprises. SuperTracker, a prominent government source, can be found at ChooseMyPlate.gov, where users can create a customized dietary plan.