Vitamin and mineral supply in Germany

This article critically scrutinises the interpretation of the results of a new assessment method of the German National Nutrition Survey II which give the impression the German population is well supplied with vitamins and minerals. A habitual diet, however, does not prevent from nutrient shortfalls of folate, calcium and iodine as well as iron in women which can be covered by food supplements. Furthermore, the intake of other nutrients in individual age groups is insufficient such as vitamin B12 in elderly people. Pregnant women, smokers and athletes, for example, belong to risk groups with an even worse nutrient supply. The risk of an oversupply of magnesium and vitamin A in people with good dietary habits using food supplements is also discussed. It must therefore be concluded that a targeted supplementation of the diet can be appropriate using individual nutrients provided an individualised assessment of nutrient supply.