Reading the Labels: Mineral Doses in Food Supplements
May 2019
in “
Annals of Medicine
”
Studysummary In this study, researchers found that most food supplement labels in Portugal recommend daily mineral doses exceeding the EU's Recommended Daily Allowance, with some even surpassing the Tolerable Upper Intake Level, raising safety concerns regarding potential adverse effects.
Our plain-language summary. Not medical advice or a treatment recommendation. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before changing treatment. Full disclaimer
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.
