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:
- A total of 21% of men and 50% of women aged 35-50 years do not reach the recommended daily intake of vitamin B12.
- The worst-supplied men (aged 35-50 years) lack 1.4 µg of vitamin B12. This corresponds to a daily shortfall of 35% of the recommended intake.
- The worst-supplied women (aged 35-50 years) lack 2.2 µg of vitamin B12. This corresponds to a daily shortfall of 55% of the recommended intake.
- Pregnant women have a daily excess requirement of 0.5 µg vitamin B12 compared to non-pregnant women. Correspondingly, the worst supplied pregnant women have a shortfall of 2.8 µg vitamin B12 per day.
- Breastfeeding women have a daily excess requirement of 1.5 µg vitamin B12 compared to non-breastfeeding women. Accordingly, the worst supplied breastfeeding women have a shortfall of 3.8 µg vitamin B12 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.
