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.
With regard to the supply situation, the following can be stated:
The main suppliers of calcium in the diet are primarily milk and dairy products. According to NVS II (2008), 40% of the daily calcium requirement is covered by milk and dairy products. Apart from this, only non-alcoholic beverages make a significant contribution to calcium intake. A balanced diet rich in milk and dairy products is therefore particularly important with regard to calcium deficiency.
- Overall, 46% of men and 55% of women do not reach the recommended daily intake of calcium.
- Among older men 65 years and older, 61% do not consume enough calcium. Among older women aged 65 and over, 65% do.
- The proportion of female adolescents (14-18 years) who do not absorb the recommended intake is also strikingly high at 74%.
- The worst supplied men lack 532 mg of calcium. This corresponds to a daily shortfall of 53% of the recommended intake.
- The worst-supplied women aged 19 years and older lack 527 mg of calcium. This corresponds to a daily shortfall of 53% of the recommended intake.
- Pregnant and breastfeeding women have no additional need for calcium compared to their non-pregnant or non-breastfeeding peers. However, they are subject to the same deficiency situation. Accordingly, the worst-supplied pregnant and breastfeeding women aged 19 years and older lack 527 mg of calcium per day.
- The worst supplied female adolescents (14 to 18 years) lack 727 mg of calcium. This corresponds to a daily shortfall of 60% of the recommended intake.
- The worst-supplied pregnant and breastfeeding women under 19 years lack accordingly also 727 mg of calcium per day.
Since the intake recommendations of the DGE are based on the needs of healthy and normal weight people, an individual additional need (eg due todiet, stimulant consumption, long-term medication, etc.) may be above the intake recommendations of the DGE.
