Certified Dietary Manager (CDM) 2025 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

A nutrient-dense food is defined as one that provides a high amount of vitamins, minerals, and other beneficial nutrients relative to its calorie content. This means that when someone consumes nutrient-dense foods, they are maximizing their nutritional intake without excessive calories, leading to better overall health outcomes.

For instance, vegetables, fruits, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats often fall into this category because they deliver essential nutrients such as fiber, vitamins, and minerals while keeping calorie counts modest. This is particularly important for maintaining a healthy weight and ensuring that the body receives the nutrition it needs to function properly.

Conversely, options that focus solely on being low in calories, high in a single type of nutrient like protein, or free of added sugars do not adequately capture the broader nutritional benefits that define nutrient density. These aspects do not necessarily correlate with the overall nutrient richness of a food.