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, 66% of men and 30% of women aged 35-50 years do not reach the recommended daily intake of zinc.
- The worst-supplied men (aged 35-50 years) lack 7.4 mg of zinc. This corresponds to a daily shortfall of 53% of the recommended intake.
- The worst-supplied women (aged 35-50 years) lack 2.7 mg of zinc. This corresponds to a daily shortfall of 34% of the recommended intake.
- Pregnant women (from the 4th month of pregnancy) have a daily excess requirement of 3 mg zinc compared to non-pregnant women. Accordingly, the most poorly supplied pregnant women have a shortfall of 5.6 mg of zinc per day.
- Breastfeeding women have a daily excess requirement of 5 mg of zinc over non-breastfeeding women. Correspondingly, the worst-supplied breastfeeding women have a shortfall of 7.6 mg of zinc per day.
Since the supply 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 supply recommendations of the DGE.
Note: The assessment of the supply situation was based on the assumption of a mean daily phytate intake (= 660 mg/day).Since 2019, the DGE gives the recommended intake of zinc for adults as a function of phytate intake. This is because phytic acid inhibits the absorption of zinc by forming poorly soluble complexes (high phytate intakes can reduce bioavailability by up to 45%). Phytic acid is found primarily in cereal products (whole grains) and legumes.
