Unsafe Dietary Sups Stopped in EU
Effective Jan. 2010, the ESFA says only safe nutrient sources can be used in food supplements. | August 4, 2009 The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has completed a 4-year assessment on the safety of food supplements used commonly in Europe. Dietary supplements, found in various forms, have a nutritional or physiological effect on the human body. The EFSA assessed 533 applications relating to 344 different substances. The report explains the assessments were based on scientific evidence provided by food-supplement manufacturers to establish how safe these nutrient sources are, as well as to determine their bioavailability. One substance assessed by the EFSA was chromium nitrate, which is used as a source of chromium in food supplements. Chromium is believed by many scientists to help the body 'burn' carbohydrates and fat. It also provides blood sugar to cells and may boost sensitivity to insulin, possibly helping curb cravings for carbohydrates and sweets. But problems may emerge with the unregulated consumption of such substances. Consuming too many vitamins and minerals could trigger side effects, the EFSA says. The safe use of vitamins and minerals in food supplements is possible, but maximum levels must be determined. A total of 186 applications were withdrawn during the evaluation process due to insufficient scientific evidence. The authority identified potential safety concerns in 39 applications in its assessment. The EFSA also pointed out that only nutrient sources whose safety and bioavailability it has assessed and are listed in the relevant Annex of the EU Directive 2002/46/EC can continue to be used in food supplements effective Jan. 1, 2010. The nutrients include vitamins A, D, K, folic acid, zinc, selenium, chromium and manganese, as well as the minerals calcium carbonate, ferrous sulphate (iron) and sodium hydroxide. The Directive targets the harmonization of the legislation for food supplement labeling and the guarantees the products are safe and appropriately labeled so that European consumers can make informed choices. Source: Community R&D Information Service (CORDIS)
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