The German Nutrition Society

Committed to science – your partner for food and drink.

As a professional scientific society, we develop statements and recommendations from nutritional science and implement them in practice. We promote balanced and sustainable diets. Enabling the people in Germany to stay healthy.

The German Nutrition Society (DGE), established in 1953, has since been engaged in topics on nutrition and nutritional research.
The DGE is a non-profit organization committed to scientific facts.
The DGE is an official incorporated society. Since its inception, the DGE has remained independent of commercial and political interests, ensuring that all its recommendations and activities are grounded in scientific integrity, neutrality and transparency.

Nutrition Science

Supporting research on nutritional science
Ascertaining topics for nutritional research as well as compiling and evaluating research results on nutrition science and related disciplines
Announcing research results on nutrition science and related disci plines by publications and events
Awarding prizes for outstanding nutrition scientists

Nutrition Counselling and Education

Coordinating scientifically proven and independent nutrition counselling and education
Quality assurance of nutrition counselling and education

is a graphical model for the visualisation of qantitive dietary guidelines and is intended for healthy adults. Food selection according to the DGE Nutrition Circle is a reliable basis for the implementation of a wholesome diet.

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Eat healthy and colourful food and protect the environment at the same time, as recommended by the DGE. If you primarily eat fruit and vegetables, whole-grain cereals and legumes, as well as
nuts and vegetable oils, you protect not only your health, but also the resources of the Earth.

This also includes preventing food waste. The DGE recommendations "Eat and drink well" show a way to increase the intake of plant-based foods and lower the intake of animal-based foods to protect health and the environment.

National food-based dietary guidelines are a key instrument for promoting a healthy diet among the population. The current food-based dietary guidelines for Germany were derived by the German Nutrition Society (DGE) using mathematical optimization and published in 2024. The DGE recommendations "Eat and drink well" are for healthy adults aged 18 to 65 years.

As in Germany, other countries around the world are also basing their dietary guidelines on sustainability aspects next to nutrient adequacy and overall health. The FAO website gives an overview of food-based guidelines from various countries, organized by continent and region.

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The DGE organizes congresses, symposia, workshops and seminars regularly, mainly for nutritional experts and journalists.

There are various educational courses offered for professionals engaged in nutrition counselling and communal catering. The topics range, for example, from expert seminars on nutrition knowledge to seminars about counselling methods.

The budget of the DGE averages at 6.75 million Euro per year. Approximately 25 % is covered by own revenue (e. g. sale of media, fees for educational courses and memberships) and 75 % by public funds.