The good news, he says, is that the Institute of Medicine (IOM) has suggested omega-3s will be the next nutrient to go under the dietary reference intake (DRI) microscope after it is finished with vitamin D and calcium.
The bad news is that the Food and Drug Administration appears set to scrap the omega-3 content claim, ironically enough in part because of a lack of an established DRI.
Ismail said if the omega-3 content claim does go, the IOM work will be go along way to any reinstatement that may occur at a later date.
“The science was only reviewed through 2000 and we think it is the right time to revisit this now because the body of science on EPA and DHA levels has more than doubled in that time,” Ismail said.
Ismail notes how a DRI established in the European Union is affecting the market there.
“You’ll see a lot more activity in the market in general as a result.”