Nucleic acids, which include DNA and RNA, are essential biomolecules used primarily for storing and transmitting genetic information. However, they are not included on nutrition labels for several reasons.
Firstly, nucleic acids are not considered a direct source of nutrition in the same way that carbohydrates, fats, and proteins are. When we consume foods, our bodies break down the macromolecules into their component parts, such as amino acids from proteins and fatty acids from fats, which can then be utilized for energy and various physiological functions.
While nucleotides (the building blocks of nucleic acids) can be found in certain foods, they are generally present in very small amounts compared to other nutrients. The human body synthesizes these nucleotides and can acquire them from the breakdown of nucleic acids from dietary sources, making dietary nucleic acid intake less of a nutritional focus.
Additionally, regulatory bodies like the FDA have set specific guidelines for what must be included on nutrition labels. These guidelines focus on the nutrients that have a direct impact on human health and that consumers need for their dietary choices. Since nucleic acids do not fit this criteria, they are excluded from the labels.
In summary, nucleic acids are fundamentally important for biological functions, but their role in nutrition is less significant compared to other macronutrients, leading to their absence on standard nutrition labels.