EFSA’s Panel on Dietetic Products, Nutrition and Allergies has provided advice on Dietary Reference Values (DRVs) for the European population for carbohydrates (including sugars), dietary fibre, and fats. EFSA’s scientific advice on nutrient intakes is in response to a request from the European Commission and will support EU policy makers in their decision-making process in the field of nutrition.

EFSA has been asked to review the existing population reference intakes in the light of new scientific evidence and taking into account more recent national recommendations. For this reason, EFSA will hold a dedicated meeting with nutrition experts from Member States on 7 and 8 September 2009, in addition to launching a public consultation on its draft opinions on DRVs for carbohydrates, dietary fibre, and fat. The scientific community and other stakeholders are invited to send their comments to EFSA by 15 October 2009.

Regarding the recommended daily intakes of carbohydrates, sugars, dietary fibre, and fats, the Panel concluded that:

•The intake of carbohydrates should be between 45 to 60% of total energy intake.
•No recommendations for sugars (either total or added) can be given due to the insufficient data available.
•25 grams per day of dietary fibre are adequate for normal bowel function in adults.
•The evidence regarding the role of glycemic index and glycemic load[1] in weight maintenance and prevention of diet-related diseases is still inconclusive
•Intakes of fats should range between 20 to 35% of the total energy intake, with different values recommended for infants. Intakes of both saturated and trans fatty acids should be as low as possible within the context of a nutritionally adequate diet. The Panel also provided advice regarding the setting of DRVs for mono- and polyunsaturated fatty acids as well as cholesterol.

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