The German nutrient database: Basis for analysis of the nutritional status of the German population

The German Nutrient Database (BLS) is the basis to determine the energy and nutrient intake for nutrition surveys in Germany. Food composition and food consumption data must be closely intertwined. The BLS receives direct feedback from food consumption surveys and is able to rapidly react by reviewing existing food composition data and adding information on new food items. Currently, the BLS is in a transition stage from a food composition database to a central facility for a national nutrient data network. Accordingly, the database has been technically improved, including the BLS gateway and a new online computation and cooperation platform for data generation and networking. The BLS is positioned as a trendsetting database. The aims are compilation of coherent nutrient data, development of flexible data structures, application of state-of-the-art data software and cooperation with national and international nutrient data networks.