News | RIVM

A maximum of a quarter of the Dutch population has vitamin D deficiency in winter

By late winter 2023, 7 to 26 per cent of the Dutch population had vitamin D deficiency. This is the outcome of a study conducted by RIVM. Because the Netherlands has so little sunlight in winter, this is when the so-called vitamin D status (amount of vitamin D in the body) is at its lowest.

Dutch consumers can eat healthier and more environmentally sustainable for the same amount of money

The Dutch diet can be healthier and more environmentally sustainable without costing consumers more money. This holds for all socio-economic groups in the Netherlands. This concludes Reina Vellinga (RIVM) in her doctoral thesis. Even with minor adjustments, our diet becomes much healthier and with less impact on the environment.

Dutch population’s salt and sugar intakes go down, fibre intake goes up

On average, the sugar and salt intakes of the Dutch population have gone down, while its fibre intake has gone up. This is apparent from the latest Dutch National Food Consumption Survey (Voedselconsumptiepeiling, VCP) figures.

Dutch population’s iodine intake just about sufficient, salt intake still too high

RIVM research has shown that the Dutch population’s intake of iodine is barely sufficient. It is important that this intake does not decrease further, particularly for women of child-bearing age.

Doctoral research: Pure fruit juice is less bad for your health than soft drinks

Pure fruit juice is less bad for your health than drinks with added sugar, such as soft drinks. At the same time, it is not suitable as a direct substitute for eating fruit. This is Floor Scheffers' conclusion in her doctoral thesis.

New version of NEVO with updated data on meat and dairy substitutes

Today, RIVM will publish the new version of the Dutch Food Composition Database (Nederlands Voedingsstoffenbestand, NEVO). This contains information on the composition of more than 2,300 foods.

Dutch people eat more healthy foods: more plant products, less red and processed meat

Dutch people are eating and drinking more healthily. We know this because of RIVM’s new Dutch National Food Consumption Survey (Voedselconsumptiepeiling, VCP). Dutch people are eating more plant products, like fruit and vegetables, unsalted nuts and legumes.

New criteria for amount of salt, sugar and saturated fat in foods

The National Approach to Product Improvement (Nationale Aanpak Productverbetering, in Dutch NAPV) is set to start this year.

Een consument in de supermarkt leest de ingrediëntenlijst van een voedingsproduct

New: NEVO online 2021

RIVM published a new online edition of the Dutch food composition database (NEVO).