In response to the recent recommendation by the German Nutrition Society (DGE) to reduce daily meat consumption to 10 grams, we would like to emphasize that there is currently no clear scientific evidence that medically justifies this specific reduction amount.

Meat is a significant source of high-quality protein, vitamin B12, iron, zinc, and other essential nutrients in the human diet. A radical reduction in meat consumption to 10 grams per day could, if not adequately compensated by other food sources, increase the risk of insufficient nutrient intake.

A comprehensive medical assessment must always consider a variety of factors, including the overall diet, individual nutrient needs, and lifestyle factors. While excessive consumption of meat, especially processed meat, can be associated with certain health risks, the amount of meat consumption considered “safe” or “healthy” has a wide variance, depending on many factors.

Therefore, we reject the current recommendation by the DGE for such a drastic reduction in meat consumption, as it is not sufficiently supported by scientific evidence. Further research is required to determine the optimal meat consumption for different population groups. It’s crucial that any dietary recommendations are based on solid scientific evidence and consider the principle of a balanced and nutrient-rich diet.