Höchstmengen für Vitamine und Mineralstoffe in Nahrungsergänzungsmitteln

Abstract

About one third of the adults in Germany are using food supplements regularly. Besides vitamins and minerals, these products also contain other substances such as amino acids, fatty acids, plant extracts or microorganisms. Advertising promises positive effects for health, well-being and improved performance. Product safety issues are rarely discussed. Already in the year 2002, a directive (2002/46/EC) on the approximation of the laws of the EU Member States concerning food supplements was adopted, which also provides settings of maximum levels. Since then, different models for the quantitative derivation of maximum levels for vitamins and minerals have been developed and discussed in Germany and other European countries. However, to date no binding maximum levels for vitamins and minerals in food supplements have been set at EU level. Meanwhile, EU member states such as Denmark and France have adopted national regulations. Against this background, the Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) has developed proposals for maximum levels for vitamins and minerals in food supplements. Vitamin and mineral supplements which comply with these recommendations and are taken according to the manufacturer’s instructions are safe for persons from 15 years of age.