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07.03.2018 - Analytics
BfR maximum level recommendations for vitamins and minerals in food supplements updated
In general, sufficient amounts of vitamins and minerals are absorbed through a normal diet in Germany, making the intake of dietary supplements unnecessary from a nutritional physiological standpoint. Furthermore, international scientific studies have shown that no positive effects are to be expected from intake above requirements. Nonetheless, taking high-dosed supplements of vitamins and minerals and/or consuming fortified foods increases the risk of adverse health effects due to high nutrient intakes. In the risk assessment of vitamins or minerals, it is therefore necessary to consider not only the risk of under-supply but also that of over-supply.
There are no legally defined maximum levels for vitamins and minerals in dietary supplements, either at the national or EU level. For this reason, in 2004, the Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) proposed maximum levels for these substances, which have now been reviewed and revised based on new scientific insights. The results have been published in the Journal of Consumer Protection and Food Safety.
Products that comply with these recommendations and are taken according to instructions do not pose a health risk to people aged 15 and over according to current knowledge.
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