In order to explore effects of diet and nutrition on health, our department undertakes nutrition research using epidemiological methodology. Our findings are utilized to evaluate the current status on nutritional intake and diet-related diseases of Japanese people, and also as scientific evidence to determine "how much intake of each nutrient is required to achieve healthy living". Section of the National Health and Nutrition Survey Not only tabulating and analyzing the annual nationwide National Health and Nutrition Survey (NHNS) conducted by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, this section works on technical and scientific research on survey methodology and data management. Additionally, we provide technical support for implementing and evaluating research on health and nutrition originally undertaken by the national and local governments. The findings from these surveys are widely utilized for development of deal health promotion policies at the national and local level. We also work on research to examine the association between dietary intake and disease development using the data of NHNS and other epidemiological studies. Section of the Dietary Reference Intakes In order to obtain extensive evidence for the “Dietary Reference Intakes (DRIs) for Japanese" which is revised every 5 years, by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare and to promote more effective application, we work on the following three activities; 1. Nutrition research to generate evidence for the DRIs for Japanese and practical research on its application. 2. Collection of basic data necessary to establish the DRIs for Japanese, and database management for next revision. 3. Dissemination of the DRIs for Japanese domestically and internationally, and promotion of its application. In addition, we carry out epidemiological study for nutritional evaluation of diets among Japanese people. Overview of Dietary Reference Intakes for Japanese (2015) (PDF) Dietary Reference Intakes for Japanese (2010) (Full report) (J-stage website) Dietary Reference Intakes for Japanese (2010) (Summary report) (PDF) Dietary Reference Intakes for Japanese (2005) (PDF)