[On the new (2021) Norms of physiological requirements in energy and nutrients of various groups of the population of the Russian Federation]

Abstract

The article presents the main provisions of the new "Norms of physiological requirements in energy and nutrients for various groups of the population of the Russian Federation" developed and approved in accordance with the established procedure, accumulating the latest fundamental knowledge and world and domestic experience, that determine the values of physiological requirements in nutrients and energy sources, adequate levels of consumption of micronutrients and biologically active substances with an established physiological effect. In the Norms the conceptual apparatus has been expanded and updated, several terms and definitions to them (nutriome, intestinal microbiome, trans-isomers of fatty acids, critical nutrients, edible salt, glycemic index of food products, etc.) have been introduced. Changes have been made to the age periodization of the child and adult population of the Russian Federation, as well as adjustments in the differentiation of the population by the level of physical activity (4 groups for men and women). Taking into account these data, the recommendations on the proportion of macronutrients in the calorie content of the daily diet have been adjusted. The levels of physiological requirements in energy and nutrients have been clarified, depending on the physical activity of the population, including vitamins and mineral substances for both men and women, including period of pregnancy and lactation, as well as for children of different ages. For the first time, recommendations are included to reduce the intake of critical nutrients for health (dietary salt, added sugars, trans-isomeric fatty acids), based on data from modern meta-analyzes on the negative health effects of their excessive intake. Recommendations on the consumption of ω-3 and ω-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids by children and adults, including pregnant and lactating women, have been significantly expanded; adequate dietary intake of plant sterols have been introduced for the first time; while adequate dietary intake of certain phenolic compounds (phenolic acids, flavonoids, polymeric phenolic compounds and stilbenes) were specified. For the first time, the Norms include recommended levels of water (drinks) consumption to maintain the body's water balance under optimal environmental conditions for adult men and women at different levels of physical activity, for children, as well as pregnant and lactating women. For the first time in world practice, a complex of qualitative and quantitative indicators of the reference intestinal microbiome is presented, including modern taxonomic and functional characteristics that give an conception of microbiota phenotype in adults with a normal body mass index.

Keywords: an optimal nutrition formula; anthroponutriciology; macronutrients; micronutrients; minor biologically active substances; physiological requirements in energy and nutrients.