What is the meaning of a substance testing positive or negative for that nutrient?

Positive Test Result

A positive test result for a nutrient means that the substance contains that nutrient. This could be due to a number of reasons, such as:

- The substance is a natural source of the nutrient.

- The substance has been fortified with the nutrient.

- The substance is contaminated with the nutrient.

Negative Test Result

A negative test result for a nutrient means that the substance does not contain that nutrient. This could be due to a number of reasons, such as:

- The substance is not a natural source of the nutrient.

- The substance has not been fortified with the nutrient.

- The substance is not contaminated with the nutrient.

It is important to note that a positive or negative test result does not necessarily mean that the substance is safe or harmful to consume. Other factors, such as the amount of the nutrient present and the individual's overall health, should be taken into consideration when making decisions about what to eat.

Examples

Here are some examples of substances that may test positive or negative for nutrients:

- Milk is a natural source of calcium and vitamin D.

- Orange juice is fortified with vitamin C.

- Ground beef may be contaminated with E. coli bacteria.

It is always a good idea to read food labels carefully to check for information about nutrients and potential allergens.