Referenzzufuhr

Referenzzufuhr is a term used in German nutrition science to denote the set of daily intake values recommended for healthy individuals of a given age and sex, with the aim of meeting nutritional needs and preventing deficiencies. These values are part of the broader concept of nutrient reference values and are used in dietary guidelines, nutrition labeling, and risk assessment.

Typically, Referenzzufuhren cover energy and a wide range of nutrients, including macronutrients and micronutrients. They are established by national health authorities or expert committees and are based on scientific data such as average requirements, safety margins, and considerations of population variability. The values are usually differentiated by age groups, sex, life stage (for example, pregnancy or lactation) and, in some cases, physical activity level.

The main functions of Referenzzufuhren are to guide diet planning, formulate or evaluate foods and fortification strategies, and provide reference points for assessing dietary adequacy. In nutrition labeling, they help consumers interpret the amount of a nutrient in a product relative to daily guidelines, often presented as a percentage of the referenzzufuhr per serving or per 100 grams.

It is important to distinguish Referenzzufuhren from individual needs, which can vary due to health status, genetics, and lifestyle. They are guidelines intended for populations and general dietary guidance, not substitute for personalized medical advice. In German-speaking contexts, these values are used to standardize nutrient recommendations and support public health nutrition efforts.