Watchdog warning on vitamin safety
A Government watchdog has today warned that the consumption of high doses of certain vitamins can endanger health.
The Food Standards Agency (FSA) believes that high doses of certain substances may have long-term health implications.
The watchdog is also proposing a ban on the use of a particular form of chromium in the manufacture of food supplements due to fears that it may cause cancer.
The FSA has issued its recommendations based on “an extremely thorough independent review” undertaken by the Expert Group on Vitamins and Minerals (EVM), which makes recommendations on 31 vitamins and minerals.
Based on the EVM’s report, the FSA has warned that six substances may have irreversible side effects if taken in high doses over a long period of time, one may cause cancer and others could have short-term effects, though these would dissipate once people stopped taking the supplements.
Consumers are warned about the irreversible harmful effects of high doses of beta-carotene, nicotinic acid, zinc, manganese and phosphorous.
The FSA has also reiterated its advice about vitamin B6 – people are warned not to exceed a dose of 10 mg/day unless acting on medical advice due to the evidence that high intakes taken over a long period of time can lead to a loss of feeling in the arms and legs.
It has also consulted on a proposal to ban the use of chromium picolinate in the manufacture of food supplements due to its carcinogenic qualities. Consumers are advised against taking chromium in this form but limited doses of the substance in other forms is unlikely to cause harm.
Further, the FSA warns of the short-term adverse effects of high intakes of vitamin C, calcium and iron, such as abdominal pain and diarrhoea. However, it says these symptoms should disappear once people stop taking the supplements.
Sir John Krebs, FSA Chair said, “While in most cases you can get all the nutrients you need from a balanced diet, many people choose to take supplements. But taking some high dose supplements over a long period of time could be harmful.”
“We are using an extremely thorough independent expert review of the scientific evidence on the safety of vitamins and minerals as the basis for new advice to help consumers make informed choices. In addition, the Board of the Food Standards Agency will be considering what further action we would wish the supplements industry to take.”
The FSA Board is expected to consider proposals today, recommending voluntary action by the supplements industry to reduce the dose of potentially harmful vitamins and minerals in supplements and the option of placing warnings on labels.
