Chemical composition of Italian cooked dishes

50 different food items, including "first courses", main and side dishes, cheese and pork products, have been analysed for proteins, carbohydrates, fats, fiber, thiamin, riboflavin and vitamin A. The results obtained have been compared with the values determined on food samples by means of food composition tables so as to have information about the quantitative variations occurring after food processing. It can be concluded that composition tables report sufficiently reliable data with regard to the protein, fat and carbohydrate content for most of the considered food items. On the other hand, values for vitamins are lower by analysis than by calculation, suggesting that it is necessary to continually check data.