Background

Understanding the extent to which Europeans have an adequate micronutrient intake is a major challenge. The Addition of Nutrients to Food Task Force explores the many ways where adding nutrients to food can improve public health.

Objectives

Dietary surveys across Europe indicate a wide range of intakes from micronutrients across countries and within several subgroups of the population. Clarity on these intakes from a European perspective is needed.
As a consequence, this task force has commissioned different expert groups that aim to:

• Map low and high micronutrient intake across Europe;
• Review the diverse methodologies for dietary intakes;
• Consider the importance for micronutrient status of factors such as bioavailability, fortification (voluntary/mandatory);
• Identify biomarkers for micronutrient status;
• Undertake horizon scanning for micronutrients of emerging interest, for example, vitamins D and K;
• Collaborate with all relevant partners.

Impact

This task force has also contributed significantly to the field of micronutrients by proposing robust and innovative methods for setting maximum levels for food fortification and supplements. Next, the task force plans to put forward methods for estimating the change of micronutrient intake over time, from all dietary sources, including fortified foods and dietary supplements. Given the importance of this topic to public health, the outcomes of this task force are relevant to all stakeholders, and especially to the European Commission and the Member States.