The National Health Security Agency has updated its nutritional references in vitamins and minerals. These substances are essential for the body to function optimally and to stay healthy. It is therefore necessary to ensure that the diet covers the needs of each adult, to avoid excesses, but also deficiencies. These values must therefore become references.
Values not updated for 20 years
Since 2001, the nutritional references for vitamins and minerals had not been updated for specific populations, such as pregnant women, infants, children, adolescents, lactating women and the elderly. The press release also indicates that for the adult population, the values had not been updated since 2016. It therefore became important to update them, as the excess or deficiency of vitamins and minerals can lead to health problems. These new values are intended for health and nutrition professionals in order to prescribe the best diets to different groups of populations or in the event of a particular situation.
Public health issues
Good coverage of the need for vitamin D and vitamin B9 is, according to ANSES, a ” public health issue “. Indeed, in 2019, “ more than 70% of French adults still had insufficient vitamin D intake, or even a deficiency in 6.5% of cases “. The Agency recalls that vitamin D intake can be ensured through exposure to the sun for about 15 to 20 minutes per day, in the late morning or afternoon. In addition, the consumption of certain foods rich in vitamins D can also meet the needs, such as fatty fish, dairy products, egg yolks or even butter or certain mushrooms. Regarding vitamin B9, ANSES focuses in particular on women, especially those planning to become pregnant. Indeed, a lack of vitamin B9 can be harmful for the development of the fetus and create malformations. In order for the body to have enough B9 vitamins, it is advisable to consume legumes (dried beans, chickpeas, lentils, etc.), green leafy vegetables or wheat germ.
