Reading the Labels: Mineral Doses in Food Supplements

    May 2019 in “ Annals of Medicine ”
    Joana Simões, Isabel Margarida Costa, Alexandra Figueiredo, Guilhermina Moutinho, Maria Deolinda Auxtero
    TLDR Many food supplements in Portugal have mineral doses above safe levels, posing health risks.
    The study evaluated 210 food supplements (FS) in Portugal for their mineral content, focusing on whether the Label Recommended Daily Dose (LRDD) conformed to the Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) set by the European Union. It found that 56% of FS labels recommended daily doses of at least one mineral above the RDA, and 6% exceeded the RDA for seven or more minerals. Notably, some supplements listed doses of selenium (Se) and zinc (Zn) above the Tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL), which could lead to adverse effects such as alopecia and other health issues. The study highlighted the need to review and ensure the safety of mineral doses in FS.
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