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:
- Overall, 14% of men and 58% of women do not reach the recommended daily intake of iron.
- Among younger women up to 50 years, even 75% do not consume enough iron.
- The worst supplied men lack 2.1 mg of iron. This corresponds to a daily shortfall of 21% of the recommended intake.
- The worst-supplied women lack 8.7 mg of iron. This corresponds to a daily shortfall of 58% of the recommended intake.
- Pregnant women have a daily excess requirement of 15 mg of iron compared to non-pregnant women. Correspondingly, the worst-supplied pregnant women have a shortfall of 23.7 mg of iron per day.
- Breastfeeding women have a daily excess iron requirement of 5 mg over non-breastfeeding women. Correspondingly, the worst-supplied breastfeeding women have a shortfall of 13.7 mg of iron per day.
- This excess requirement of 5 mg and the corresponding shortfall of 13.7 mg of iron per day also apply to non-breastfeeding women after childbirth to make up for losses during pregnancy.
Since the intake recommendations of the DGE are based on the needs of healthy and normal weight people, an individual additional requirement (eg due todiet, stimulant consumption, permanent medication, etc.) may be above the intake recommendations of the DGE.
