Key points of the revision of the Dietary Reference Intakes for Japanese (2025)

The Dietary Reference Intakes for Japanese (DRIs) (2025), which has been in effect since April 2025, is based on "Health Japan 21 (the third term)" and includes osteoporosis as a new item under the section on "The Relationship Between Energy and Nutrients and Diseases Related to the Maintenance and Improvement of Lifestyle-Related Diseases and Functional Abilities". The estimated average requirements (EAR) were revised to incorporate the use of biological indicators with a particular focus on revising the basis for establishing water-soluble vitamins. Other changes included revisions to the DRIs basis for determining the recommended BMI range and removing the tolerable upper intake level of iron. Regarding matters related to utilization, while the Japanese Food Composition Tables (8th edition) are currently used for nutritional calculations, the (2025) is based on accumulating evidence. Therefore, reference values based on the 7th edition were used. However, when utilizing these values, it is important to understand that errors may arise not only from differences in versions of the food composition tables but also from dietary survey errors, and that intake reference values may have a certain range due to rounding. Even if the numerical values remain unchanged, some reference values have had their basis for revision; therefore, it is essential to review the main text and footnotes to ensure proper understanding and utilization.