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:
- 15% of men and 10% of women do not reach the recommended daily intake of vitamin A.
- Young men and women are more likely to be undersupplied than older people.25% of young men and 20% of young women up to 24 years of age do not consume enough vitamin A in their diets.
- The worst-supplied men lack 400 µg of vitamin A. This corresponds to a daily shortfall of 40% of the recommended intake.
- The worst supplied women lack 200 µg of vitamin A. This corresponds to a daily shortfall of 25% of the recommended intake.
- Pregnant women (from the 4th month of pregnancy) have a daily excess requirement of 300 µg vitamin A compared to non-pregnant women. Accordingly, the most poorly supplied pregnant women have a shortfall of 500 µg of vitamin A per day.
- Breastfeeding women have a daily excess requirement of 700 µg of vitamin A over non-breastfeeding women. Accordingly, the worst supplied breastfeeding women have a shortfall of 900 µg of vitamin A 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.
