Final answer:
The % DV on Nutrition Facts labels are based on a 2,000 calorie diet, allow for comparison among foods, and require adjustment based on individual calorie needs.
Step-by-step explanation:
The percentages of Daily Values (% DV) provided on Nutrition Facts labels are applied in several ways.
First, they are based on a standard diet of 2,000 calories per day, serving as a reference for consumers to understand how much a serving of food contributes to their daily nutritional needs.
Secondly, the % DV enables easy comparison among similar foods, letting consumers quickly see how foods stack up against each other in terms of calorie content and nutrient contribution.
Lastly, individuals who require more or fewer than 2,000 calories per day must adjust their understanding of the % DV accordingly. If you need more than 2,000 calories a day, a serving of food will provide a smaller percent of your daily needs, while if you need less, it will provide a larger percent.