Macronutrients
Fat:
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Total fat, saturated fat, and cholesterol are required on the Nutrition Facts Panel. Some products, usually margarines and oils, also include polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fat; however, this information is optional. Trans fat amounts are required on all labels by January 1, 2006. When comparing foods, look at the Nutrition Facts Panel and choose the food with the lower amounts of saturated fat and trans fat. Add the grams (g) of saturated fat and trans fat and look for products with the lowest combined amount.
Carbohydrates:
Carbohydrates included on the Nutrition Facts Panel are total carbohydrate, dietary fiber, and sugars. Carbohydrate is an important source of energy for the body. The Dietary Reference Intakes (DRIs) recommend a minimum intake of 130 grams of total carbohydrate daily.
Dietary fiber is the part of plant foods that the body cannot digest. Lack of dietary fiber has been linked to increased risk of certain types of cancer, heart disease, diabetes, and obesity. The DRI for fiber is 25 grams per day for adult women and 38 grams per day for adult men.
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Source: http://www.extension.iastate.edu/Publications/PM1979.pdf
