This fifth version of the “Nutritional Recommendations for Belgium” is much more than a simple updating of the previous editions. It indeed provides both a summary and in-depth analysis of current scientific knowledge regarding the physiological effects of and needs for different nutrients. Special attention was given to chapters related to dietary intakes of minerals, trace elements and vitamins and totally rewritten on the basis of newly scientific published studies. Substantial literature references were added to this new edition. The recommended dietary intakes of minerals, trace elements and vitamins are based on the scientific evidence available in 2008 and on a paper of the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA, 2006) on potential risks due to excessive intake of some minerals, trace elements and vitamins (especially fat-soluble ones). Recommended intakes of energy yielding nutrients (proteins, carbohydrates, fat) were subjected to a new assessment. This assessment covered energy and protein intake in children and trans-fatty acid intake. This fifth version of the nutritional recommendations also deals with considerations and definitions about foods fortified with some energy and non-energy yielding nutrients and the impact they can have on human health. From a scientific point of view, these essential nutrition concepts provide the necessary basis for transposing into recommended food intakes. This new edition must be a key reference in terms of, on the one hand, food information for all practitioners, school teachers and food industry managers and, on the other hand, food supply for local communities. ; BE; fr; info.hgr-css@health.belgium.be