Where you are is what you eat: the food environment in which people live contributes to differences in consumption patterns and health. The food environment is a broad concept. It is a sum of different factors that influence the choices people make in the area of nutrition. This can include cultural and social norms, but also the availability or price of food. RIVM supports national governments, local authorities and other bodies in creating a healthier and more sustainable food environment. On this page, we explain more about this.

RIVM studies and advises on the intake, status and health effects of (micro)nutrients such as vitamins and minerals. The results of this research can be motive to adjust Dutch food policy, such as establishing maximum amounts of micronutrients that can be added to dietary supplements and food products (fortification). On this page, we explain more about RIVM’s work in this area. Among other things, RIVM researchers use literature reviews, scenario analyses or in-depth analyses using data of the Dutch National Food Consumption Survey (DNFCS), data from nutritional status research and models. RIVM also conducts research to improve the methods and models being used.

Based on data from RIVM’s Food Consumption Survey, it appears that the vitamin A intake of a large portion of the Dutch population is too low. Vitamin A deficiency can result in skin problems, dull hair, night blindness and, in the worst-case scenario, blindness. Whether the low vitamin A intake in the Netherlands has also caused health problems was unknown. RIVM has looked into this.

In 2020/2021, RIVM studied iodine intake among men and women in the northern part of the Netherlands (mainly Groningen, Friesland and Drenthe). The proper functioning of the thyroid gland depends on a sufficient intake of iodine. There is very little iodine in the soil in the Netherlands, which is one of the reasons why iodine levels in our food are naturally too low. That is why iodine is added to certain types of salt.

In 2020/2021, RIVM studied salt and potassium intake among men and women in the northern part of the Netherlands. Half of the men consumed more than 11 grams of salt per day, and for women this was more than 8 grams per day. Too much salt in the diet is bad for health.