An independent committee of experts set up to advise Britain's Food Standards Agency (FSA) yesterday issued a consultation document on the maximum levels of vitamins and minerals that are safe to consume.
The Expert Group on Vitamins and Minerals (EVM) has assessed the available scientific evidence on vitamins and minerals over a four-year period, in response to public concern and confusion over the possible dangers of taking high amounts of vitamins and minerals over long periods of time.
The group carried out a nutritional and toxicological review of 34 vitamins and minerals, with particular reference to how safe they are when consumed over a long period of time. Safe upper levels were suggested for nine of them, guidance suggested for 22, and statements were issued for three minerals. Guidance was given where there was not enough evidence to suggest a safe upper level for a particular vitamin and mineral.
Both guidance and safe upper levels refer to a total level taken in from food, supplements, or a combination of the two.
Britain's Health Supplement Information Service (HSIS) said it welcomed the FSA's decision to consult with medical bodies.
In a statement, the group said: "HSIS supports the consultation stage that the FSA is now entering into. The fact that such a consultation phase is being adopted demonstrates the effectiveness of the relationships between government, industry and professional advisors."
It added that the current document shows that the upper level intake guidelines of 65 per cent of vitamins and minerals will not be affected and of the other 28 per cent that have entered into the consultation phase with newly established safe upper levels, any reductions in the levels are only marginal.
Commenting on the FSA's announcement of the consultation period and the proposed EVM levels, Dr Derek Shrimpton, an advisor for HSIS said:"The fact that the majority of the upper levels have remained unchanged or been relaxed is testament to the existing limits already in place and that they are already safe and working. While we acknowledge that upper limits are important, the standards already set have been reached through extensive consultation with expert panels of advisors. Although HSIS is always open to new studies, the vast weight of previous research points to what we already have in place."
The Food Standards Agency however confirmed its advice that a healthy balanced diet, which includes plenty of fruit, vegetables, starchy foods, and moderate amounts of dairy products, meat, fish and other protein will provide all the nutrients that most people need without having to take supplements.
The EVM is made up of 10 members from the medical and scientific community, one lay member, and four observers representing consumer organisations, the health and food industries, and alternative medicine interests.
The EVM final report is due to be presented to the Agency in early 2003. Views are welcome on the consultation document, which is available from the FSA website: www.food.gov.uk