Database Schema Interactive Explorer

Food Database Structure

Dive deep into our comprehensive database architecture. Explore 8 main sections, 50+ data fields, and 17 food categories with our interactive schema explorer.

By Liezhou Zhong
📅 Updated May 18, 2024

Data Harmonisation Pipeline

How the Nitr-Navigator database was curated and standardised

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Botanic Families

Integrated with FoodEx2 codes (EFSA, 2015; IARC, 2003).

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Name Harmonisation

Common & alternative names curated using Latin names, FoodEx2 Browser & Wikipedia.

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Seasonality

Sampling seasons assigned via local four-season calendars where missing.

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Geographic Allocation

Entries grouped at global, regional, sub-regional & country level (UNSD, 2021).

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Socioeconomic Context

World Bank socioeconomic classifications integrated.

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Standardisation

Nitrate & nitrite values expressed as mg NO₃⁻/NO₂⁻ per kg FW.

Database Schema Explorer

Click on sections to expand/collapse. Hover over fields for detailed information.

Database Structure Notes

  • Comprehensive Coverage: Our database spans 8 major sections covering everything from basic food identification to detailed analytical methods.
  • Geographic Scope: Data includes sampling information from over 50 countries worldwide, ensuring global representation.
  • Quality Assurance: Each entry includes confidence levels, analytical methods, and source verification for data integrity.
  • Standardization: Uses FoodEx2 codes and standardized classification systems for international compatibility.
  • Flexibility: Structure accommodates both processed and fresh foods with detailed processing information.
  • Research Integration: Links to original publications and research sources for full traceability.

References

  • FSANZ AUSNUT 2011–13 food classification system. 2020.
  • IARC. (2003). Fruit and Vegetables. IARC Handbooks of Cancer Prevention (Vol. 8).
  • Ioannidou, S. (2019). EFSA Catalogue Browser User Guide. https://doi.org/10.2903/sp.efsa.2019.en-1726.
  • Blekkenhorst, L. C., et al. (2017). Reference database for dietary nitrate. MNFR, 61(8). https://doi.org/10.1002/mnfr.201600982.

Cite this work

Zhong, L., Hodgson, J. M., Lewis, J. R., Blekkenhorst, L. C., Bondonno, N. P., Sim, M., Woodman, R. J., & Bondonno, C. P. (2025). Nitrate and nitrite food composition database: An update and extensive deep dive. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 121(5), 1124-1136. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajcnut.2025.01.031
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