The DGE Nutrition Circle – Presentation and Basis of the Food-Related Recommendations from the German Nutrition Society (DGE)

Introduction

There are essentially two different ways to portray nutritional recommendations for different sorts of food. A circle is often used to depict the optimal contribution of each food group to the overall food intake [1, 2].

On the other hand, a two dimensional pyramid or triangle has often been preferred. This can portray a hierarchy of food groups and is often used to advocate moderation in the consumption of food at the tip of the pyramid [3]. This approach was pioneered by the U. S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), which introduced the Food Guide Pyramid in 1992 [4]. Since then, the food circle has been used less frequently to depict recommended food intake, as the pyramids had novelty value and evoked considerable interest from institutions, societies, food industry and individuals. As a result, there were more than 100 different pyramid models by 2004 [5].

Food-related nutritional recommendations are of increasing scientific interest, as they indicate how nutrition can support health or reduce the risk of specific diseases and can complement reference values for food intake.

An ad hoc working group of the German Nutrition Society (DGE) on the theme of food-related prevention has studied the concept of food-related nutritional recommendations; they have already published an article in the Ernährungs Umschau [6] and have provided support for the present article. This will be followed by a further publication, with an assessment of the current status of food-related recommendations and the requirements for future recommendations. The present article will discuss the status of the diagrams which the DGE has developed in this area, together with their scientific foundation.

Summary

The three dimensional food pyramid and the DGE Nutrition Circle were established by the German Nutrition Society and portray nutritional recommendations for adults. The circle is based on D-A-CH reference values for nutrient intake and depicts quantitative aspects of nutrition, as supported by the available scientific evidence; the pyramid also includes qualitative aspects of nutritional physiology. The individual segments of the DGE nutrition circle are proportional to the quantities of the individual nutrient groups that are required for adequate and well balanced nutrition. Compliance with the nutritional recommendations can contribute to the prevention of chronic diseases. It has been confirmed that these food-based recommendations are practicable.

Keywords: Food-related nutritional recommendations, adequate nutrition, prevention, reference values for nutritional intake, food groups

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