The Origin of Dietary Reference Intakes in Japan

Abstract

Objective: To describe the nutritional issues faced during the search for the "optimal diet" in modern Japan, how it evolved into the development of the current Dietary Reference Intakes, and its future perspectives for further health promotion.

Methods: We investigated and summarized the history of the Dietary Reference Intakes in Japan, by reviewing articles, books, official reports, and the publications of the National Institute of Nutrition.

Results: Thiamin deficiency has long been reported in the Japanese people due to their diet based mainly on polished rice. Medical doctors and nutritional scientists made efforts to determine the cause and to set dietary standards for people to maintain health. The first "Health Diet for the Japanese" (Nihonjin no Hoken Shokuryo) was made public in 1877. Furthermore, the State Institute of the Study of Nutrition was founded in 1920, which conducted studies on nutritional requirements and collaborated with the League of Nations. During and soon after World War 2, the mission of "Dietary Allowances" was the prevention of nutritional deficiencies. With accumulating knowledge, this evolved into the development of the "Dietary Reference Intakes," published since 2000.

Conclusions: The current Dietary Reference Intakes is the fruit of the historical pursuit for determining the optimal nutrition for the overall health of the general population. They provide a standard for nutritional assessment, school lunches, and hospital meals, and support the development of nutrition policies, such as food-based dietary guidelines. Further accumulation of evidence, such as the life-course approach to nutrition, may be needed to ensure the future health of the coming generations.