Comparison of nutrition habits in Potsdam two centuries ago with modern developments

Nutrition habits in the 18th century are described using as examples a menu of the Prussian King, the weekly menu in the Potsdam military orphanage, and the daily ration for a soldier of the Prussian army. Due to the social and scientific progress the quality of nutrition has improved in many respects. Compared to past times there are today no deficiencies in energy and essential nutrients, if knowledge and behavior are in accord. Full employment, high purchasing power and stable prices for basic food are the premises for good nutrition. The wide-spread desire for a nutrition of high hedonic value connected with a broad food choice has nutritional advantages, but as well the potential disadvantage of overnutrition. The hygienic quality of food has probably never been as high as today.