Thiamine (Vitamin B1): Supply Situation

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:

  • 21% of men and 32% of women do not reach the recommended daily intake of vitamin B1.
  • Among women aged 65 and older, as many as 40% do not consume the recommended intake.
  • The worst supplied men lack 0.4 mg of vitamin B1. This corresponds to a daily shortfall of 30% of the recommended intake.
  • The worst-supplied women also lack 0.4 mg of vitamin B1. This corresponds to a daily shortfall of 40% of the recommended intake.
  • Pregnant women (from the 4th month of pregnancy) have a daily excess requirement of 0.2 mg vitamin B1 compared to non-pregnant women. Correspondingly, the worst supplied pregnant women have a shortfall of 0.6 mg of vitamin B1 per day.
  • Breastfeeding women have a daily excess requirement of 0.4 mg of vitamin B1 over non-breastfeeding women. Correspondingly, the most poorly supplied breastfeeding women have a shortfall of 0.8 mg of vitamin B1 per day.

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, long-term medication, etc.) may be above the intake recommendations of the DGE.