Reference Values for Nutrient Intake
©DGE
The DGE/ÖGE reference values refere to the amounts of the daily intake of energy and nutrients as well as fiber and water. Intake correspindung with the reference values ensures vital metabolic, physical and mental functions, prevents nutrient-specific deficiency diseases and symptoms but also avoids oversupply, creates body reserves and - where possible - contributes to the prevention of chronic diet-related diseases in nearly all healthy individuals of the population. Their implementation helps to promote and maintain growth, development, performance and health throughout a person's life.
The reference values have been successively revised since 2012. FAQs have been published for the revised reference values and English publications have also been published for some of them.
Reference Value Tool
The DGE reference value tool can filter the reference values for energy, energy-providing nutrients (fat, carbohydrates, protein), vitamins, minerals, water and dietary fiber filtered according to individual criteria such as gender and age/age groups. It also offers the option of selecting and displaying specific reference values for people who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
The filtered information can be easily downloaded as a PDF or Excel file with just a few clicks.
The tool is in German available only.
Energy, energy-providing nutrients and water
Energy
- New reference values for energy intake. German Nutrition Society, Ann Nutr Metab, 2015; 66: 219‒223
- Reference values (in Germany only)
- FAQ (in German only)
Protein
- Revised Reference Values for the Intake of Protein. Richter et al., Ann Nutr Metab 2019; 74: 242–250
- Reference values (in Germany only)
- FAQ (in German only)
Fat
- Reference values (in Germany only)
Essential fatty acids
- Reference values (in Germany only)
Carhohydrates
- Reference values (in Germany only)
Dietary fibre
- Reference values (in Germany only)
- FAQ (in German only)
Alcohol
Since August 2024, the DGE position statement on alcohol has replaced the reference value for alcohol intake.
- DGE position statement. Alcohol consumption in Germany, health and social consequences and derivation of recommendations for action. Richter et al., Ernahrungs Umschau 2024; 71(10): 125-39
- FAQ (in German only)
Water
- Reference values (in Germany only)
Vitamins
Fat-soluble vitamins
Vitamin A
- Reference values (in German only)
- FAQ (in German only)
Vitamin D
- New reference values for vitamin D. German Nutrition Society, Ann Nutr Metab 2012; 60: 241–246
- Reference values (in German only)
- FAQ
Vitamin E
- Reference values (in German only)
Vitamin K
- Reference values (in German only)
Water-soluble vitamins
Thiamin
- Revised reference values for the intake of thiamin (vitamin B1), riboflavin (vitamin B2), and niacin. Strohm et al., NFS Journal 2016; 3: 20-24
- Reference values (in German only)
- FAQ (in German only)
Riboflavin
- Revised reference values for the intake of thiamin (vitamin B1), riboflavin (vitamin B2), and niacin. Strohm et al., NFS Journal 2016; 3: 20-24
- Reference values (in German only)
- FAQ (in German only)
Niacin
- Revised reference values for the intake of thiamin (vitamin B1), riboflavin (vitamin B2), and niacin. Strohm et al., NFS Journal 2016; 3: 20-24
- Reference values (in German only)
- FAQ (in German only)
Vitamin B6
- Revised D-A-CH-reference values for the intake of Vitamin B6. Jungert et al., Ann Nutr Metab 2020
- Reference values (in German only)
- FAQ (in German only)
Folate
- Revised D-A-CH intake recommendations for folate: how much is needed? Krawinkel et al., Eur J Clin Nutr 2014; 68: 719–723
- Letter to the editor – In reference to critical evaluation of lowering the recommended dietary intake of folate Strohm et al.,Clin Nutr 2014; 33: 733–734
- Reference values (in German only)
- FAQ (in German only)
Pantothenic acid
- Reference values (in German only)
- FAQ (in German only)
Biotin
- Revised D-A-CH reference values for the intake of biotin. Jungert et al., Eur J Nutr 2022
- Reference values (in German only)
- FAQ (in German only)
Vitamin B12
- The Revised D‐A‐CH‐Reference Values for the Intake of Vitamin B12: Prevention of Deficiency and Beyond. Ströhle et al., Mol Nutr Food Res 2019; 63
- Reference values (in German only)
- FAQ (in German only)
Vitamin C
- New reference values for vitamin C Intake. German Nutrition Society, Ann Nutr Metab 2015; 67: 13–20
- Reference values (in German only)
- FAQ (in German only)
Minerals and Trace Elements
Sodium
- Revised reference values for the intake of sodium and chloride. Strohm et al,. Ann Nutr Metab 2018; 72:12-17
- Reference values (in German only)
- FAQ (in German only)
Chlorid
- Revised reference values for the intake of sodium and chloride. Strohm et al,. Ann Nutr Metab 2018; 72:12-17
- Reference values (in German only)
- FAQ (in German only)
Potassium
- Revised reference values for the intake of potassium. Strohm et al., Ann Nutr Metab 2017; 71:118–124
- Reference values (in German only)
- FAQ (in German only)
Calcium
- New reference values for calcium. German Nutrition Society, Ann Nutr Metab 2013; 63:186–192
- Reference values (in German only)
- FAQ (in German only)
Phosphorous
- Reference values (in German only)
- FAQ (in German only)
Magnesium
- Reference values (in German only)
- FAQ (in German only)
Iron
- Reference values (in German only)
- FAQ (in German only)
Iodine
- Reference values (in German only)
Fluoride
- Reference values (in German only)
- FAQ (in German only)
Zinc
- Revised D-A-CH-reference values for the intake of zinc. Haase et al., J Trace Elem Med Biol 2020; 61
- Reference values (in German only)
- FAQ (in German only)
Selenium
- Revised reference values for selenium intake. Kipp et al., J Trace Elem Med Biol 2015; 32: 195–199
- Reference values (in German only)
- FAQ (in German only)
Copper, Manganese, Chromium, Molybdenum
- Reference values (in German only)