In the National Nutrition Survey II (NVS II, 2008), the dietary behavior of the population was investigated for Germany and it was shown how this affects the average daily nutrient intake with macro- and micronutrients (vital substances).
The intake recommendations (D-A-CH reference values) of the German Nutrition Society (DGE) are used as the basis for assessing nutrient supply. A comparison of the nutrient intake determined in the NVS II with the recommendations of the DGE shows for which micronutrients (vital substances) there is a frequent undersupply in Germany.
Regarding the supply situation, it can be stated:
- In Germany, the median beta-carotene intake for men is 4.3 mg and for women 4.4 mg per day.
- The estimated value established by the DGE for an adequate intake of 2 to 4 mg per daywird thus achieved by most of the population.
- About 10% of both men and women do not reach the lower estimate range of 2 mg beta-carotene per day.
- Pregnant women have an increased vitamin A requirement* of 1.1 mg. This corresponds mathematically 6.6 mg beta-carotene.
- Breastfeeding women have an increased vitamin A requirement* of 1.5 mg. This corresponds mathematically 9 mg beta-carotene.
* Beta-carotene can contribute as provitamin A to theDeckung of the vitamin A requirement. The risk of vitamin A overdose does not exist by ingestion of beta-carotene, since this is absorbed in a controlled manner and is converted into vitamin A only when needed.
Since the intake recommendations of the DGE are based on the requirements of healthy people of normal weight, an individual additional requirement (e.g., due to diet, consumption of stimulants, long-term medication, etc.) may be higher than the intake recommendations of the DGE.
