Food-Based Dietary Guidelines of the German Nutrition Society (DGE): Relevance for Medical Practice

Abstract

In March 2024, the German Nutrition Society (DGE) published its revised food-based dietary guidelines for healthy adults aged 18 to 65 who follow an omnivorous diet. The aim was to use a mathematical optimization model to define optimized dietary patterns that reduce both the burden of disease and environmental impact-while considering current eating patterns in Germany. The health aspects comprise an adequate energy intake, a nutrient supply that meets the DGE/ÖGE reference values for nutrient intake, and associations between food intake and the risk of diet-related diseases. Mathematical optimization is currently the state-of-the-art method for the development of food-based dietary guidelines in order to consider different requirements simultaneously. In the resulting DGE-guidelines "Eat and drink well", the DGE recommends a plant-based omnivorous diet. The different recommendations are largely consistent with those of medical guidelines for the prevention and treatment of diet-related diseases. Though, the management of many diseases requires individualized nutritional therapy by qualified professionals. The DGE-guidelines support both a targeted selection of healthy foods as well as an adequate nutrient intake. Consequently, they play a key role in the prevention and management of diet-related diseases of the adult population.