2.3.5. Nutrition problems in the Netherlands

Undernutrition and micronutrient deficiencies do not occur on a similar scale in the Netherlands like in low- and middle-income countries. Overweight and its related diseases like cardiovascular disease and diabetes do occur on a large scale though. In the year 2016, 50,2% of the Dutch population older than 20 years is overweight (Voedingscentrum). Undernutrition does occur in the Netherlands, but mainly among the elderly or diseased population.

In the Netherlands 84% of the adults population is not meeting the recommended intake of vegetables of ≥ 200g/day, while 87% is not meeting the intake of fruits of ≥ 200g/day (Ministerie van Volksgezondheid, Welzijn en Sport).

There is, however, no indication that this low fruit and vegetable intake is causing micronutrient deficiencies. Further research would be needed to determine deficiencies based on clinical symptoms or nutritional status (e.g. through assessment of blood) ((Ministerie van Volksgezondheid, Welzijn en Sport). There are, however, strong indications that this low fruit and vegetable intake is related to increased risk of noncommunicable diseases, e.g. diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and specific forms of cancer.

Tabel 2.4: Micronutrients that are low in intake in the Netherlands as identified by RIVM. (Copied from: https://www.wateetnederland.nl/resultaten/vitamines-en-mineralen/normen (08-02-2019)