New reference values regarding the intake of nutritive substances represent a chance for the agriculture and dairy industry

In the year 2000, new reference values for the intake of nutritive substances were published in the German speaking countries. These values differ from previous recommendations, for the German population, for example, in a higher intake of folic acid, vitamin C and calcium. In order to comply with these recommendations, the consumers should attach more importance to the consumption of food containing folic acid, vitamin C and calcium such as fruits and vegetables as well as milk and milk products. This fact should induce the agriculture and the dairy industry to point out the importance of their products as sources of these vital nutritive substances.