Highlights of ‘a model for establishing upper levels of intake for nutrients and related substances: report of a joint fao/who technical workshop on nutrient risk assessment, may 2-6, 2005’.

Although adverse health effects resulting from excessive intake of nutrients have been studied for some time, nutrient risk assessment is only now gaining ground as a distinct discipline and emerging area of scientific study. Interest in such activities has been driven in part by the increased availability and marketing in all parts of the world of food/dietary supplements, fortified foods, so-called functional foods, and newer additions to the diet of nutrient-related substances. A number of diverse populations are currently « exposed to » (i.e., consuming) higher levels of nutrients and related substances than ever before. This observation raises questions concerning the impact of such intakes and the upper or safe levels of intake of these substances. For the purposes of the report described herein, upper levels of intake have been defined as: « the maximum level of habitual intake from all sources of a nutrient or related substance judged to be unlikely to lead to adverse health effects in humans ».