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Turck D, Bohn T, Castenmiller J, de Henauw S, Hirsch-Ernst KI, Maciuk A, Mangelsdorf I, McArdle HJ, Naska A, Pentieva K, Siani A, Thies F, Tsabouri S, Vinceti M, Aguilera Gómez M, Cubadda F, Frenzel T, Heinonen M, Neuhäuser-Berthold M, Peláez C, Poulsen M, Prieto Maradona M, Schlatter JR, Siskos A, van Loveren H, Ackerl R, Albert O, Azzollini D, Fernández Dumont A, Gelbmann W, Germini A, Glymenaki M, Kass GEN, Kouloura E, Laganaro M, Matijevic L, Mendes V, Noriega Fernández E, Nuin Garciarena I, Precup G, Roldán Torres R, Rossi A, Turla E, Valtueña Martinez S, Ververis E, Knutsen HK. Guidance on the scientific requirements for an application for authorisation of a novel food in the context of Regulation (EU) 2015/2283. EFSA J 2024; 22:e8961. [PMID: 39351446 PMCID: PMC11440143 DOI: 10.2903/j.efsa.2024.8961] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/04/2024] Open
Abstract
The European Commission requested EFSA to update the scientific guidance for the preparation of applications for authorisation of novel foods, previously developed following the adoption of Regulation (EU) 2015/2283 on novel foods. This guidance document provides advice on the scientific information needed to be submitted by the applicant towards demonstrating the safety of the novel food. Requirements pertain to the description of the novel food, production process, compositional data, specifications, proposed uses and use levels and anticipated intake of the novel food. Furthermore, information needed in sections on the history of use of the novel food and/or its source, absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, toxicological information, nutritional information and allergenicity is also described. The applicant should integrate and interpret the data presented in the different sections to provide their overall considerations on how the information supports the safety of the novel food under the proposed conditions of use. Where potential health hazards have been identified, they are to be discussed in relation to the anticipated intake of the novel food and the proposed target populations. On the basis of the information provided, EFSA will assess the safety of the novel food under the proposed conditions of use.
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Turck D, Bohn T, Castenmiller J, de Henauw S, Engel K, Hirsch‐Ernst KI, Kearney J, Knutsen HK, Maciuk A, Mangelsdorf I, McArdle HJ, Naska A, Pentieva K, Siani A, Thies F, Tsabouri S, Vinceti M, Peláez C, van Loveren H, Gelbmann W, Ververis E, Turla E. Guidance on the scientific requirements for a notification and application for authorisation of traditional foods from third countries in the context of Regulation (EU) 2015/2283. EFSA J 2024; 22:e8966. [PMID: 39351445 PMCID: PMC11440141 DOI: 10.2903/j.efsa.2024.8966] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/04/2024] Open
Abstract
The European Commission requested EFSA to update the scientific guidance for the preparation of notifications for authorisation of traditional foods, previously developed following the adoption of Regulation (EU) 2015/2283 on novel foods. This guidance document provides advice on the scientific information needed to be submitted by applicants when submitting traditional food notifications pursuant to Article 14 and traditional food applications pursuant to Article 16 of Regulation (EU) 2015/2283. The safety of a traditional food should be substantiated by data on its composition, its experience of continued use and its proposed conditions of use. Its normal consumption should not be nutritionally disadvantageous. The applicant should integrate the information on the composition and the experience of continued use and provide a concise overall consideration on how this substantiates the history of safe use of the traditional food and how this relates to the proposed conditions of use for the EU. Potential health hazards identified on the basis of compositional data and/or data from the experience of continued use should be discussed. On the basis of the information provided, EFSA will assess the safety related to the consumption of the traditional food under the proposed conditions of use.
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Turck D, Bohn T, Castenmiller J, de Henauw S, Hirsch-Ernst KI, Knutsen HK, Maciuk A, Mangelsdorf I, McArdle HJ, Pentieva K, Siani A, Thies F, Tsabouri S, Vinceti M, Kass G, Heng L, Sofroniou A, Ververis E, Valtueña Martínez S, Naska A. Guidance on scientific principles and data requirements for the safety and relative bioavailability assessment of new micronutrient sources. EFSA J 2024; 22:e8946. [PMID: 39351444 PMCID: PMC11440146 DOI: 10.2903/j.efsa.2024.8946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Following the adoption of Regulation (EU) No 1169/2011 on food information to consumers, the European Commission requested EFSA to update its 'Guidance on safety evaluation of sources of nutrients and bioavailability of the nutrient from the sources' regarding the scientific principles and data requirements for the scientific assessment of all new forms of micronutrients and to derive a conversion factor for new micronutrient sources or forms of micronutrients to be authorised for addition to foods, including food supplements. This guidance outlines the scientific principles that the NDA Panel will consider for the assessment of the safety and the quantification of the relative bioavailability of new sources of micronutrients, which applicants are requested to consider when preparing their applications. It also outlines the data requirements for dossiers. Applicants should integrate the data presented in different sections to provide their overall considerations on how the information provided supports the safety of the new micronutrient source and the quantification of its relative bioavailability compared to a reference source under the proposed conditions of use. As preparatory work for the development of this guidance, EFSA launched an Expert Survey and held an online workshop on 9th March 2023 inviting scientific input from stakeholders and scientific experts, the report of which is now available online in the EFSA's webpage.
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More SJ, Benford D, Hougaard Bennekou S, Bampidis V, Bragard C, Halldorsson TI, Hernández‐Jerez AF, Koutsoumanis K, Lambré C, Machera K, Mullins E, Nielsen SS, Schlatter J, Schrenk D, Turck D, Naska A, Poulsen M, Ranta J, Sand S, Wallace H, Bastaki M, Liem D, Smith A, Ververis E, Zamariola G, Younes M. Guidance on risk-benefit assessment of foods. EFSA J 2024; 22:e8875. [PMID: 39015302 PMCID: PMC11250173 DOI: 10.2903/j.efsa.2024.8875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/18/2024] Open
Abstract
The EFSA Scientific Committee has updated its 2010 Guidance on risk-benefit assessment (RBA) of foods. The update addresses methodological developments and regulatory needs. While it retains the stepwise RBA approach, it provides additional methods for complex assessments, such as multiple chemical hazards and all relevant health effects impacting different population subgroups. The updated guidance includes approaches for systematic identification, prioritisation and selection of hazardous and beneficial food components. It also offers updates relevant to characterising adverse and beneficial effects, such as measures of effect size and dose-response modelling. The guidance expands options for characterising risks and benefits, incorporating variability, uncertainty, severity categorisation and ranking of different (beneficial or adverse) effects. The impact of different types of health effects is assessed qualitatively or quantitatively, depending on the problem formulation, scope of the RBA question and data availability. The integration of risks and benefits often involves value-based judgements and should ideally be performed with the risk-benefit manager. Metrics such as Disability-Adjusted Life Years (DALYs) and Quality-Adjusted Life Years (QALYs) can be used. Additional approaches are presented, such as probability of all relevant effects and/or effects of given severities and their integration using severity weight functions. The update includes practical guidance on reporting results, interpreting outcomes and communicating the outcome of an RBA, considering consumer perspectives and responses to advice.
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Castañeda-Monsalve V, Fröhlich LF, Haange SB, Homsi MN, Rolle-Kampczyk U, Fu Q, von Bergen M, Jehmlich N. High-throughput screening of the effects of 90 xenobiotics on the simplified human gut microbiota model (SIHUMIx): a metaproteomic and metabolomic study. Front Microbiol 2024; 15:1349367. [PMID: 38444810 PMCID: PMC10912515 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2024.1349367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024] Open
Abstract
The human gut microbiota is a complex microbial community with critical functions for the host, including the transformation of various chemicals. While effects on microorganisms has been evaluated using single-species models, their functional effects within more complex microbial communities remain unclear. In this study, we investigated the response of a simplified human gut microbiota model (SIHUMIx) cultivated in an in vitro bioreactor system in combination with 96 deep-well plates after exposure to 90 different xenobiotics, comprising 54 plant protection products and 36 food additives and dyes, at environmentally relevant concentrations. We employed metaproteomics and metabolomics to evaluate changes in bacterial abundances, the production of Short Chain Fatty Acids (SCFAs), and the regulation of metabolic pathways. Our findings unveiled significant changes induced by 23 out of 54 plant protection products and 28 out of 36 food additives across all three categories assessed. Notable highlights include azoxystrobin, fluroxypyr, and ethoxyquin causing a substantial reduction (log2FC < -0.5) in the concentrations of the primary SCFAs: acetate, butyrate, and propionate. Several food additives had significant effects on the relative abundances of bacterial species; for example, acid orange 7 and saccharin led to a 75% decrease in Clostridium butyricum, with saccharin causing an additional 2.5-fold increase in E. coli compared to the control. Furthermore, both groups exhibited up- and down-regulation of various pathways, including those related to the metabolism of amino acids such as histidine, valine, leucine, and isoleucine, as well as bacterial secretion systems and energy pathways like starch, sucrose, butanoate, and pyruvate metabolism. This research introduces an efficient in vitro technique that enables high-throughput screening of the structure and function of a simplified and well-defined human gut microbiota model against 90 chemicals using metaproteomics and metabolomics. We believe this approach will be instrumental in characterizing chemical-microbiota interactions especially important for regulatory chemical risk assessments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victor Castañeda-Monsalve
- Department of Molecular Toxicology, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research GmbH (UFZ), Leipzig, Germany
| | - Laura-Fabienne Fröhlich
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research GmbH (UFZ), Leipzig, Germany
| | - Sven-Bastiaan Haange
- Department of Molecular Toxicology, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research GmbH (UFZ), Leipzig, Germany
| | - Masun Nabhan Homsi
- Department of Molecular Toxicology, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research GmbH (UFZ), Leipzig, Germany
| | - Ulrike Rolle-Kampczyk
- Department of Molecular Toxicology, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research GmbH (UFZ), Leipzig, Germany
| | - Qiuguo Fu
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research GmbH (UFZ), Leipzig, Germany
| | - Martin von Bergen
- Department of Molecular Toxicology, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research GmbH (UFZ), Leipzig, Germany
- Institute of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biosciences, Pharmacy and Psychology, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
- German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Nico Jehmlich
- Department of Molecular Toxicology, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research GmbH (UFZ), Leipzig, Germany
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Elies L, Guillaume E, Gorieu M, Neves P, Schorsch F. Historical Control Data of Spontaneous Pathological Findings in C57BL/6J Mice Used in 18-Month Dietary Carcinogenicity Assays. Toxicol Pathol 2024; 52:99-113. [PMID: 38757264 DOI: 10.1177/01926233241248658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/18/2024]
Abstract
A retrospective analysis in C57BL6/J mice used in dietary carcinogenicity studies was performed to determine the survival rate, causes of death and incidences of spontaneous non-tumoral and tumoral findings. Data were collected from 1600 mice from control dose groups of sixteen 18-month carcinogenicity assays performed between 2003 and 2021 at the same test facility with similar environmental conditions and experimental procedures. The survival rate was high in both sexes (81%-85%) and the causes of humane euthanasia or death were mainly non-tumoral (chronic ulcerative dermatitis, atrial thrombosis). Benign tumors were more frequent than malignant tumors and females were more affected than males. Pituitary gland adenoma in females, lymphoma, bronchioloalveolar adenoma, and harderian gland adenoma in both sexes were the most common tumors. Systemic amyloidosis, the most frequent non-tumoral lesion, was observed variably across studies without sex predilection. The analysis by cohort (3 time periods of 6 years) showed a tendency toward higher incidences of lymphoma and pituitary gland adenoma and lower incidences of amyloidosis over time. The results presented here provide for the first time a robust set of control historical data in untreated C57BL/6J mice kept for 18 months contributing to build in depth knowledge of this animal model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laëtitia Elies
- Charles River Laboratories, Saint-Germain-Nuelles, France
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Fernandes TH, Bell V. The imprecision of micronutrient requirement values: the example of vitamin D. J Food Sci 2024; 89:51-63. [PMID: 38126105 DOI: 10.1111/1750-3841.16889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2023] [Revised: 11/10/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
Food, not nutrients, is the fundamental unit in nutrition. Nutrient requirement values and recommended daily intakes have long been determined and organized in tables by several regulators. These figures, however, overlook the complexity of mixing different foods in a diet and the mediation by human gut microbiota on digestion, metabolism, and health. The microbiome molecular mechanisms and its potential influence on nutrient requirements are far from clear. Guidelines should depend on the sort of intake, along with the dietary habits, rather than focusing on single nutrients. Despite many decades of attempts to investigate the proximate nutrient composition of foods consumed by different world populations, there are still neither standardization of food composition databases nor harmonized dietary intake methods of assessment of nutrients. No all-inclusive attempt was yet made to emphasize the requirements of the various micronutrients, phytonutrients, and non-nutrients on gut microbiota and vice versa, and thereafter reflected into dietary guidelines. New multifaceted methods have been advanced to reevaluate the way nutrients and nutrient requirements are assessed within the intricate biological systems. Our main goal here was to enhance the fact that existing food guidelines hold inherent strengths and limitations but fail, in many aspects, namely, in not taking into account essential geographical, ethnic and cultural differences, and the different stages of life, infant nutrition, and the microbiota impact on several micronutrient requirements. Vitamin D is given as an illustration on present inaccuracy of its requirements. Defining dietary reference intakes is therefore an ongoing process specific for each population.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Victoria Bell
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, Pólo das Ciências da Saúde, Coimbra, Portugal
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Hofman‐Caris R, Dingemans M, Reus A, Shaikh SM, Muñoz Sierra J, Karges U, der Beek TA, Nogueiro E, Lythgo C, Parra Morte JM, Bastaki M, Serafimova R, Friel A, Court Marques D, Uphoff A, Bielska L, Putzu C, Ruggeri L, Papadaki P. Guidance document on the impact of water treatment processes on residues of active substances or their metabolites in water abstracted for the production of drinking water. EFSA J 2023; 21:e08194. [PMID: 37644961 PMCID: PMC10461463 DOI: 10.2903/j.efsa.2023.8194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/31/2023] Open
Abstract
This guidance document provides a tiered framework for risk assessors and facilitates risk managers in making decisions concerning the approval of active substances (AS) that are chemicals in plant protection products (PPPs) and biocidal products, and authorisation of the products. Based on the approaches presented in this document, a conclusion can be drawn on the impact of water treatment processes on residues of the AS or its metabolites in surface water and/or groundwater abstracted for the production of drinking water, i.e. the formation of transformation products (TPs). This guidance enables the identification of actual public health concerns from exposure to harmful compounds generated during the processing of water for the production of drinking water, and it focuses on water treatment methods commonly used in the European Union (EU). The tiered framework determines whether residues from PPP use or residues from biocidal product use can be present in water at water abstraction locations. Approaches, including experimental methods, are described that can be used to assess whether harmful TPs may form during water treatment and, if so, how to assess the impact of exposure to these water treatment TPs (tTPs) and other residues including environmental TPs (eTPs) on human and domesticated animal health through the consumption of TPs via drinking water. The types of studies or information that would be required are described while avoiding vertebrate testing as much as possible. The framework integrates the use of weight-of-evidence and, when possible alternative (new approach) methods to avoid as far as possible the need for additional testing.
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Miura N, Morishita K, Yasuda T, Akiduki S, Matsumoto H. Subchronic tolerance trials of graded oral supplementation with ornithine hydrochloride or citrulline in healthy adults. Amino Acids 2023; 55:299-311. [PMID: 36571619 PMCID: PMC9791970 DOI: 10.1007/s00726-022-03227-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Ornithine and citrulline are amino acids used in dietary supplements and nutritional products consumed by healthy consumers, but the safe supplementation levels of these compounds are unknown. The objective of this study was to conduct two 4-week clinical trials to evaluate the safety and tolerability of graded dosages of oral ornithine (as hydrochloride) and citrulline. Healthy male adults (n = 60, age 41.4 ± 1.5 years) completed graded dosages of either ornithine hydrochloride (3.2, 6, 9.2, and 12 g/day) or citrulline (6, 12, 18, and 24 g/day) supplement for 4 weeks with 2-week wash-out periods in between. Primary outcomes included vitals, a broad spectrum of circulating biochemical analytes, body weight, sleep quality, and mental self-assessment. In the ornithine hydrochloride supplementation group, minor increase in plasma aspartic acid and glutamic acid concentrations was observed at the highest intake dosages. In the citrulline supplementation group, minor changes in laboratory data for serum lactate dehydrogenase and plasma amino acid concentration of lysine, methionine, threonine, aspartic acid, glutamic acid, glutamine and ornithine, arginine, and citrulline itself were measured. No other changes in measured parameters were observed, and study subjects tolerated 4-week-long oral supplementation of ornithine hydrochloride or citrulline without treatment-related adverse events. A clinical, no-observed-adverse-effect-level (NOAEL) of ornithine hydrochloride and citrulline supplementation in healthy adult males was determined to be 12 g/day and 24 g/day (4 weeks), respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naoki Miura
- Miura Medical Clinic, Higashitenma, Osaka, Japan
| | - Koji Morishita
- Japan Branch of International Council for Amino Acid Science (ICAAS), Hatchobori, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takamasa Yasuda
- Japan Branch of International Council for Amino Acid Science (ICAAS), Hatchobori, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Saori Akiduki
- Japan Branch of International Council for Amino Acid Science (ICAAS), Hatchobori, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hideki Matsumoto
- Japan Branch of International Council for Amino Acid Science (ICAAS), Hatchobori, Tokyo, Japan.
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10
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More SJ, Bampidis V, Benford D, Bragard C, Halldorsson TI, Hernández‐Jerez AF, Bennekou SH, Koutsoumanis K, Lambré C, Machera K, Mullins E, Nielsen SS, Schlatter JR, Schrenk D, Turck D, Younes M, Boon P, Ferns GAA, Lindtner O, Smolders E, Wilks M, Bastaki M, de Sesmaisons‐Lecarré A, Ferreira L, Greco L, Kass GEN, Riolo F, Leblanc J. Re-evaluation of the existing health-based guidance values for copper and exposure assessment from all sources. EFSA J 2023; 21:e07728. [PMID: 36694841 PMCID: PMC9843535 DOI: 10.2903/j.efsa.2023.7728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Copper is an essential micronutrient and also a regulated product used in organic and in conventional farming pest management. Both deficiency and excessive exposure to copper can have adverse health effects. In this Scientific Opinion, the EFSA 2021 harmonised approach for establishing health-based guidance values (HBGVs) for substances that are regulated products and also nutrients was used to resolve the divergent existing HBGVs for copper. The tightly regulated homeostasis prevents toxicity manifestation in the short term, but the development of chronic copper toxicity is dependent on copper homeostasis and its tissue retention. Evidence from Wilson disease suggests that hepatic retention is indicative of potential future and possibly sudden onset of copper toxicity under conditions of continuous intake. Hence, emphasis was placed on copper retention as an early marker of potential adverse effects. The relationships between (a) chronic copper exposure and its retention in the body, particularly the liver, and (b) hepatic copper concentrations and evidence of toxicity were examined. The Scientific Committee (SC) concludes that no retention of copper is expected to occur with intake of 5 mg/day and established an Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) of 0.07 mg/kg bw. A refined dietary exposure assessment was performed, assessing contribution from dietary and non-dietary sources. Background copper levels are a significant source of copper. The contribution of copper from its use as plant protection product (PPP), food and feed additives or fertilisers is negligible. The use of copper in fertilisers or PPPs contributes to copper accumulation in soil. Infant formula and follow-on formula are important contributors to dietary exposure of copper in infants and toddlers. Contribution from non-oral sources is negligible. Dietary exposure to total copper does not exceed the HBGV in adolescents, adults, elderly and the very elderly. Neither hepatic copper retention nor adverse effects are expected to occur from the estimated copper exposure in children due to higher nutrient requirements related to growth.
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11
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Burtscher-Schaden H, Durstberger T, Zaller JG. Toxicological Comparison of Pesticide Active Substances Approved for Conventional vs. Organic Agriculture in Europe. TOXICS 2022; 10:toxics10120753. [PMID: 36548586 PMCID: PMC9783316 DOI: 10.3390/toxics10120753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2022] [Revised: 11/24/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
There is much debate about whether the (mostly synthetic) pesticide active substances (AS) in conventional agriculture have different non-target effects than the natural AS in organic agriculture. We evaluated the official EU pesticide database to compare 256 AS that may only be used on conventional farmland with 134 AS that are permitted on organic farmland. As a benchmark, we used (i) the hazard classifications of the Globally Harmonized System (GHS), and (ii) the dietary and occupational health-based guidance values, which were established in the authorization procedure. Our comparison showed that 55% of the AS used only in conventional agriculture contained health or environmental hazard statements, but only 3% did of the AS authorized for organic agriculture. Warnings about possible harm to the unborn child, suspected carcinogenicity, or acute lethal effects were found in 16% of the AS used in conventional agriculture, but none were found in organic agriculture. Furthermore, the establishment of health-based guidance values for dietary and non-dietary exposures were relevant by the European authorities for 93% of conventional AS, but only for 7% of organic AS. We, therefore, encourage policies and strategies to reduce the use and risk of pesticides, and to strengthen organic farming in order to protect biodiversity and maintain food security.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helmut Burtscher-Schaden
- Umweltforschungsinstitut & Umweltorganisation Global 2000 (Friends of the Earth Austria), Neustiftgasse 36, 1070 Vienna, Austria
- Correspondence:
| | - Thomas Durstberger
- Umweltforschungsinstitut & Umweltorganisation Global 2000 (Friends of the Earth Austria), Neustiftgasse 36, 1070 Vienna, Austria
| | - Johann G. Zaller
- Department of Integrative Biology and Biodiversity Research, Institute of Zoology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences Vienna (BOKU), Gregor Mendel Straße 33, 1180 Vienna, Austria
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12
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Zare Jeddi M, Hopf NB, Louro H, Viegas S, Galea KS, Pasanen-Kase R, Santonen T, Mustieles V, Fernandez MF, Verhagen H, Bopp SK, Antignac JP, David A, Mol H, Barouki R, Audouze K, Duca RC, Fantke P, Scheepers P, Ghosh M, Van Nieuwenhuyse A, Lobo Vicente J, Trier X, Rambaud L, Fillol C, Denys S, Conrad A, Kolossa-Gehring M, Paini A, Arnot J, Schulze F, Jones K, Sepai O, Ali I, Brennan L, Benfenati E, Cubadda F, Mantovani A, Bartonova A, Connolly A, Slobodnik J, Bruinen de Bruin Y, van Klaveren J, Palmen N, Dirven H, Husøy T, Thomsen C, Virgolino A, Röösli M, Gant T, von Goetz N, Bessems J. Developing human biomonitoring as a 21st century toolbox within the European exposure science strategy 2020-2030. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2022; 168:107476. [PMID: 36067553 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2022.107476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2022] [Revised: 07/28/2022] [Accepted: 08/12/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Human biomonitoring (HBM) is a crucial approach for exposure assessment, as emphasised in the European Commission's Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability (CSS). HBM can help to improve chemical policies in five major key areas: (1) assessing internal and aggregate exposure in different target populations; 2) assessing exposure to chemicals across life stages; (3) assessing combined exposure to multiple chemicals (mixtures); (4) bridging regulatory silos on aggregate exposure; and (5) enhancing the effectiveness of risk management measures. In this strategy paper we propose a vision and a strategy for the use of HBM in chemical regulations and public health policy in Europe and beyond. We outline six strategic objectives and a roadmap to further strengthen HBM approaches and increase their implementation in the regulatory risk assessment of chemicals to enhance our understanding of exposure and health impacts, enabling timely and targeted policy interventions and risk management. These strategic objectives are: 1) further development of sampling strategies and sample preparation; 2) further development of chemical-analytical HBM methods; 3) improving harmonisation throughout the HBM research life cycle; 4) further development of quality control / quality assurance throughout the HBM research life cycle; 5) obtain sustained funding and reinforcement by legislation; and 6) extend target-specific communication with scientists, policymakers, citizens and other stakeholders. HBM approaches are essential in risk assessment to address scientific, regulatory and societal challenges. HBM requires full and strong support from the scientific and regulatory domain to reach its full potential in public and occupational health assessment and in regulatory decision-making.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Zare Jeddi
- National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), the Netherlands.
| | - Nancy B Hopf
- Centre for Primary Care and Public Health (Unisanté), University of Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Henriqueta Louro
- National Institute of Health Dr. Ricardo Jorge, Department of Human Genetics, Lisbon and ToxOmics - Centre for Toxicogenomics and Human Health, NOVA Medical School, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Susana Viegas
- NOVA National School of Public Health, Public Health Research Centre, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, 1600-560 Lisbon, Portugal; Comprehensive Health Research Center (CHRC), 1169-056 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Karen S Galea
- Institute of Occupational Medicine (IOM), Research Avenue North, Riccarton, Edinburgh EH14 4AP, UK
| | - Robert Pasanen-Kase
- State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO), Labour Directorate Section Chemicals and Work (ABCH), Switzerland
| | - Tiina Santonen
- Finnish Institute of Occupational Health (FIOH), P.O. Box 40, FI-00032 Työterveyslaitos, Finland
| | - Vicente Mustieles
- University of Granada, Center for Biomedical Research (CIBM), School of Medicine, Department of Radiology and Physical Medicine, Granada, Spain; Consortium for Biomedical Research in Epidemiology & Public Health (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
| | - Mariana F Fernandez
- University of Granada, Center for Biomedical Research (CIBM), School of Medicine, Department of Radiology and Physical Medicine, Granada, Spain; Consortium for Biomedical Research in Epidemiology & Public Health (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
| | - Hans Verhagen
- University of Ulster, Coleraine, Northern Ireland, National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark, Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
| | | | | | - Arthur David
- Univ Rennes, Inserm, EHESP, Irset (Institut de Recherche en Santé, Environnement et Travail), UMR_S 1085, F-35000 Rennes, France
| | - Hans Mol
- Wageningen Food Safety Research - part of Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - Robert Barouki
- Université Paris Cité, T3S, Inserm Unit 1124, 45 rue des Saints Pères, 75006 Paris, France
| | - Karine Audouze
- Université Paris Cité, T3S, Inserm Unit 1124, 45 rue des Saints Pères, 75006 Paris, France
| | - Radu-Corneliu Duca
- Department of Health Protection, Laboratoire national de santé (LNS), 1, Rue Louis Rech, 3555 Dudelange, Luxembourg; Environment and Health, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, KU Leuven, Herestraat 49, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Peter Fantke
- Quantitative Sustainability Assessment, Department of Environmental and Resource Engineering, Technical University of Denmark, 2800 Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Paul Scheepers
- Radboud Institute for Biological and Environmental Sciences, Radboud University, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Manosij Ghosh
- Environment and Health, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, KU Leuven, Herestraat 49, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - An Van Nieuwenhuyse
- Department of Health Protection, Laboratoire national de santé (LNS), 1, Rue Louis Rech, 3555 Dudelange, Luxembourg; Environment and Health, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, KU Leuven, Herestraat 49, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Joana Lobo Vicente
- EEA - European Environment Agency, Kongens Nytorv 6, 1050 Copenhagen K, Denmark
| | - Xenia Trier
- SPF - Santé Publique France, Environmental and Occupational Health Division, France
| | - Loïc Rambaud
- SPF - Santé Publique France, Environmental and Occupational Health Division, France
| | - Clémence Fillol
- SPF - Santé Publique France, Environmental and Occupational Health Division, France
| | - Sebastien Denys
- SPF - Santé Publique France, Environmental and Occupational Health Division, France
| | - André Conrad
- German Environment Agency (Umweltbundesamt), Dessau-Roßlau/Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Alicia Paini
- European Commission, Joint Research Centre (JRC), Ispra, Italy
| | - Jon Arnot
- ARC Arnot Research and Consulting, Inc., Toronto ONM4M 1W4, Canada
| | - Florian Schulze
- European Center for Environmental Medicine, Weserstr. 165, 12045 Berlin, Germany
| | - Kate Jones
- HSE - Health and Safety Executive, Harpur Hill, Buxton SK17 9JN, UK
| | | | | | - Lorraine Brennan
- School of Agriculture and Food Science, Institute of Food and Health, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Emilio Benfenati
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Via Mario Negri 2, 20156 Milano, Italy
| | - Francesco Cubadda
- Istituto Superiore di Sanità - National Institute of Health, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Alberto Mantovani
- Istituto Superiore di Sanità - National Institute of Health, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Alena Bartonova
- NILU Norwegian Institute for Air Research, 2027 Kjeller, Norway
| | - Alison Connolly
- Centre for Climate and Air Pollution Studies, Physics, School of Natural Science and the Ryan Institute, University of Galway, University Road, Galway H91 CF50, Ireland
| | - Jaroslav Slobodnik
- NORMAN Association, Rue Jacques Taffanel - Parc Technologique ALATA, 60550 Verneuil-en-Halatte, France
| | - Yuri Bruinen de Bruin
- Commission, Joint Research Centre, Directorate for Space, Security and Migration, Geel, Belgium
| | - Jacob van Klaveren
- National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), the Netherlands
| | - Nicole Palmen
- National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), the Netherlands
| | - Hubert Dirven
- Department of Environmental Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Trine Husøy
- Department of Environmental Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Cathrine Thomsen
- Department of Environmental Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Ana Virgolino
- Environmental Health Behaviour Lab, Instituto de Saúde Ambiental, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal; Laboratório Associado TERRA, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Martin Röösli
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute (Swiss TPH), CH-4123 Allschwil, Switzerland
| | - Tim Gant
- Center for Radiation, Chemical and Environmental Hazards, Public Health England, UK
| | | | - Jos Bessems
- VITO HEALTH, Flemish Institute for Technological Research, 2400 Mol, Belgium
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13
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Tarazona JV, González-Caballero MDC, de Alba-Gonzalez M, Pedraza-Diaz S, Cañas A, Dominguez-Morueco N, Esteban-López M, Cattaneo I, Katsonouri A, Makris KC, Halldorsson TI, Olafsdottir K, Zock JP, Dias J, Decker AD, Morrens B, Berman T, Barnett-Itzhaki Z, Lindh C, Gilles L, Govarts E, Schoeters G, Weber T, Kolossa-Gehring M, Santonen T, Castaño A. Improving the Risk Assessment of Pesticides through the Integration of Human Biomonitoring and Food Monitoring Data: A Case Study for Chlorpyrifos. TOXICS 2022; 10:313. [PMID: 35736921 PMCID: PMC9228629 DOI: 10.3390/toxics10060313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2022] [Revised: 05/26/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
The risk assessment of pesticide residues in food is a key priority in the area of food safety. Most jurisdictions have implemented pre-marketing authorization processes, which are supported by prospective risk assessments. These prospective assessments estimate the expected residue levels in food combining results from residue trials, resembling the pesticide use patterns, with food consumption patterns, according to internationally agreed procedures. In addition, jurisdictions such as the European Union (EU) have implemented large monitoring programs, measuring actual pesticide residue levels in food, and are supporting large-scale human biomonitoring programs for confirming the actual exposure levels and potential risk for consumers. The organophosphate insecticide chlorpyrifos offers an interesting case study, as in the last decade, its acceptable daily intake (ADI) has been reduced several times following risk assessments by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). This process has been linked to significant reductions in the use authorized in the EU, reducing consumers' exposure progressively, until the final ban in 2020, accompanied by setting all EU maximum residue levels (MRL) in food at the default value of 0.01 mg/kg. We present a comparison of estimates of the consumer's internal exposure to chlorpyrifos based on the urinary marker 3,5,6-trichloro-2-pyridinol (TCPy), using two sources of monitoring data: monitoring of the food chain from the EU program and biomonitoring of European citizens from the HB4EU project, supported by a literature search. Both methods confirmed a drastic reduction in exposure levels from 2016 onwards. The margin of exposure approach is then used for conducting retrospective risk assessments at different time points, considering the evolution of our understanding of chlorpyrifos toxicity, as well as of exposure levels in EU consumers following the regulatory decisions. Concerns are presented using a color code, and have been identified for almost all studies, particularly for the highest exposed group, but at different levels, reaching the maximum level, red code, for children in Cyprus and Israel. The assessment uncertainties are highlighted and integrated in the identification of levels of concern.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jose V. Tarazona
- National Centre for Environmental Health, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28220 Madrid, Spain; (M.d.C.G.-C.); (M.d.A.-G.); (S.P.-D.); (A.C.); (N.D.-M.); (M.E.-L.)
- European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), I-43126 Parma, Italy;
| | - Maria del Carmen González-Caballero
- National Centre for Environmental Health, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28220 Madrid, Spain; (M.d.C.G.-C.); (M.d.A.-G.); (S.P.-D.); (A.C.); (N.D.-M.); (M.E.-L.)
| | - Mercedes de Alba-Gonzalez
- National Centre for Environmental Health, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28220 Madrid, Spain; (M.d.C.G.-C.); (M.d.A.-G.); (S.P.-D.); (A.C.); (N.D.-M.); (M.E.-L.)
| | - Susana Pedraza-Diaz
- National Centre for Environmental Health, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28220 Madrid, Spain; (M.d.C.G.-C.); (M.d.A.-G.); (S.P.-D.); (A.C.); (N.D.-M.); (M.E.-L.)
| | - Ana Cañas
- National Centre for Environmental Health, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28220 Madrid, Spain; (M.d.C.G.-C.); (M.d.A.-G.); (S.P.-D.); (A.C.); (N.D.-M.); (M.E.-L.)
| | - Noelia Dominguez-Morueco
- National Centre for Environmental Health, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28220 Madrid, Spain; (M.d.C.G.-C.); (M.d.A.-G.); (S.P.-D.); (A.C.); (N.D.-M.); (M.E.-L.)
| | - Marta Esteban-López
- National Centre for Environmental Health, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28220 Madrid, Spain; (M.d.C.G.-C.); (M.d.A.-G.); (S.P.-D.); (A.C.); (N.D.-M.); (M.E.-L.)
| | - Irene Cattaneo
- European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), I-43126 Parma, Italy;
| | | | - Konstantinos C. Makris
- Cyprus International Institute for Environmental and Public Health, Cyprus University of Technology, Limassol 3036, Cyprus;
| | - Thorhallur I. Halldorsson
- Faculty of Food Science and Nutrition, School of Health Sciences, University of Iceland, 102 Reykjavik, Iceland;
- Department of Epidemiology Research, Statens Serum Institut, DK-2300 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Kristin Olafsdottir
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Iceland, 107 Reykjavik, Iceland;
| | - Jan-Paul Zock
- National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, 3720 BA De Bilt, The Netherlands;
| | - Jonatan Dias
- Wageningen Food Safety Research (WFSR), 6700 AE Wageningen, The Netherlands;
| | | | - Bert Morrens
- Department of Sociology, University of Antwerp, 2020 Antwerpen, Belgium;
| | - Tamar Berman
- Ministry of Health, Jerusalem 9446724, Israel; (T.B.); (Z.B.-I.)
| | - Zohar Barnett-Itzhaki
- Ministry of Health, Jerusalem 9446724, Israel; (T.B.); (Z.B.-I.)
- Ruppin Research Group in Environmental and Social Sustainability, Ruppin Academic Center, Emek Hefer 4025000, Israel
| | - Christian Lindh
- Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Institute of Laboratory Medicine, Lund University, 22363 Lund, Sweden;
| | - Liese Gilles
- VITO Health, Flemish Institute for Technological Research (VITO), 2400 Mol, Belgium; (L.G.); (E.G.); (G.S.)
| | - Eva Govarts
- VITO Health, Flemish Institute for Technological Research (VITO), 2400 Mol, Belgium; (L.G.); (E.G.); (G.S.)
| | - Greet Schoeters
- VITO Health, Flemish Institute for Technological Research (VITO), 2400 Mol, Belgium; (L.G.); (E.G.); (G.S.)
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Antwerp, 2020 Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Till Weber
- German Environment Agency (UBA), 14195 Berlin, Germany; (T.W.); (M.K.-G.)
| | | | - Tiina Santonen
- Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, P.O. Box 40 Helsinki, Finland;
| | - Argelia Castaño
- National Centre for Environmental Health, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28220 Madrid, Spain; (M.d.C.G.-C.); (M.d.A.-G.); (S.P.-D.); (A.C.); (N.D.-M.); (M.E.-L.)
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14
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Park S, Lee JJ, Lee J, Lee JK, Byun J, Kim I, Ha JH. Lowering n-6/ n-3 Ratio as an Important Dietary Intervention to Prevent LPS-Inducible Dyslipidemia and Hepatic Abnormalities in ob/ob Mice. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23126384. [PMID: 35742829 PMCID: PMC9224551 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23126384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2022] [Revised: 06/03/2022] [Accepted: 06/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Obesity is closely associated with low-grade chronic and systemic inflammation and dyslipidemia, and the consumption of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs) may modulate obesity-related disorders, such as inflammation and dyslipidemia. An emerging research question is to understand the dietary intervention strategy that is more important regarding n-3 PUFA consumption: (1) a lower ratio of n-6/n-3 PUFAs or (2) a higher amount of n-3 PUFAs consumption. To understand the desirable dietary intervention method of n-3 PUFAs consumption, we replaced lard from the experimental diets with either perilla oil (PO) or corn oil (CO) to have identical n-3 amounts in the experimental diets. PO had a lower n-6/n-3 ratio, whereas CO contained higher amounts of PUFAs; it inherently contained relatively lower n-3 but higher n-6 PUFAs than PO. After the 12-week dietary intervention in ob/ob mice, dyslipidemia was observed in the normal chow and CO-fed ob/ob mice; however, PO feeding increased the high density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) level; further, not only did the HDL-C level increase, the low density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) and triglyceride (TG) levels also decreased significantly after lipopolysaccharide (LPS) injection. Consequently, extra TG accumulated in the liver and white adipose tissue (WAT) of normal chow- or CO-fed ob/ob mice after LPS injection; however, PO consumption decreased serum TG accumulation in the liver and WAT. PUFAs replacement attenuated systemic inflammation induced by LPS injection by increasing anti-inflammatory cytokines but inhibiting pro-inflammatory cytokine production in the serum and WAT. PO further decreased hepatic inflammation and fibrosis in comparison with the ND and CO. Hepatic functional biomarkers (aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine transaminase (ALT) levels) were also remarkably decreased in the PO group. In LPS-challenged ob/ob mice, PO and CO decreased adipocyte size and adipokine secretion, with a reduction in phosphorylation of MAPKs compared to the ND group. In addition, LPS-inducible endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and oxidative stress decreased with consumption of PUFAs. Taken together, PUFAs from PO and CO play a role in regulating obesity-related disorders. Moreover, PO, which possesses a lower ratio of n-6/n-3 PUFAs, remarkably alleviated metabolic dysfunction in LPS-induced ob/ob mice. Therefore, an interventional trial considering the ratio of n-6/n-3 PUFAs may be desirable for modulating metabolic complications, such as inflammatory responses and ER stress in the circulation, liver, and/or WAT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seohyun Park
- Department of Food Science and Nutrition, Dankook University, Cheonan 31116, Korea; (S.P.); (J.L.)
| | - Jae-Joon Lee
- Department of Food and Nutrition, Chosun University, Gwangju 61452, Korea;
| | - Jisu Lee
- Department of Food Science and Nutrition, Dankook University, Cheonan 31116, Korea; (S.P.); (J.L.)
| | - Jennifer K. Lee
- Food Science and Human Nutrition Department, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA;
| | - Jaemin Byun
- Center for Discovery and Innovation, Hackensack Meridian Health, Nutley, NJ 07110, USA;
| | - Inyong Kim
- Food and Nutrition Department, Sunchon University, Suncheon 57922, Korea
- Correspondence: (I.K.); (J.-H.H.)
| | - Jung-Heun Ha
- Department of Food Science and Nutrition, Dankook University, Cheonan 31116, Korea; (S.P.); (J.L.)
- Research Center for Industrialization of Natural Neutralization, Dankook University, Yongin 16890, Korea
- Correspondence: (I.K.); (J.-H.H.)
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15
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Turck D, Bohn T, Castenmiller J, De Henauw S, Hirsch‐Ernst KI, Knutsen HK, Maciuk A, Mangelsdorf I, McArdle HJ, Peláez C, Pentieva K, Siani A, Thies F, Tsabouri S, Vinceti M, Aggett P, Crous Bou M, Cubadda F, de Sesmaisons Lecarré A, Martino L, Naska A. Guidance for establishing and applying tolerable upper intake levels for vitamins and essential minerals: Draft for internal testing. EFSA J 2022; 20:e200102. [PMID: 35106096 PMCID: PMC8784980 DOI: 10.2903/j.efsa.2022.e200102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Vitamins and essential minerals are micronutrients that are essential for the normal functioning of the human body. However, they may lead to adverse health effects if consumed in excess. The concept of a tolerable upper intake level (UL) is a science-based reference value, which was introduced to support policy-makers and other relevant actors in managing the risks of excess nutrient intake. EFSA's principles for establishing ULs for vitamins and minerals were originally developed by the Scientific Committee on Food in 2000. Since then, experience has been gained and the scientific field developed. This guidance from the EFSA Panel on Nutrition, Novel Foods and Food Allergens provides an updated framework to support EFSA's UL assessments. It covers aspects related to the planning of the risk assessment (problem formulation and definition of methods) and its implementation (evidence retrieval, appraisal, synthesis, integration, uncertainty analysis). As in the previous framework, the general principles developed for the risk assessment of chemicals in food are applied (hazard identification, hazard characterisation, intake assessment, risk characterisation). Peculiar to nutrients are their biochemical and physiological roles and the specific and selective mechanisms that maintain the systemic homoeostasis and body burden of the nutrient. These must be considered when conducting a risk assessment of nutrients. This document constitutes a draft guidance that will be applied in EFSA's assessments during a 1-year pilot phase and be revised and complemented as necessary. Before finalisation of the guidance, a public consultation will be launched.
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More S, Benford D, Hougaard Bennekou S, Bampidis V, Bragard C, Halldorsson T, Hernandez‐Jerez A, Koutsoumanis K, Lambré C, Machera K, Mullins E, Nielsen SS, Schlatter J, Schrenk D, Turck D, Tarazona J, Younes M. Opinion on the impact of non-monotonic dose responses on EFSA's human health risk assessments. EFSA J 2021; 19:e06877. [PMID: 34712366 PMCID: PMC8528485 DOI: 10.2903/j.efsa.2021.6877] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
This Opinion assesses the biological relevance of the non-monotonic dose responses (NMDR) identified in a previous EFSA External Report (Beausoleil et al., 2016) produced under GP/EFSA/SCER/2014/01 and the follow-up probabilistic assessment (Chevillotte et al., 2017a,b), focusing on the in vivo data sets fulfilling most of the checkpoints of the visual/statistical-based analysis identified in Beausoleil et al. (2016). The evaluation was completed with cases discussed in EFSA assessments and the update of the scientific literature. Observations of NMDR were confirmed in certain studies and are particularly relevant for receptor-mediated effects. Based on the results of the evaluation, the Opinion proposes an approach to be applied during the risk assessment process when apparent non-monotonicity is observed, also providing advice on specific elements to be considered to facilitate the assessment of NMDR in EFSA risk assessments. The proposed approach was applied to two case studies, Bisphenol A and bis(2-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP) and these evaluations are reported in dedicated annexes. Considering the potential impact of NMDRs in regulatory risk assessment, the Scientific Committee recommends a concerted international effort on developing internationally agreed guidance and harmonised frameworks for identifying and addressing NMDRs in the risk assessment process.
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Subchronic Tolerance Trials of Graded Oral Supplementation with Phenylalanine or Serine in Healthy Adults. Nutrients 2021; 13:nu13061976. [PMID: 34201370 PMCID: PMC8227932 DOI: 10.3390/nu13061976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2021] [Revised: 06/04/2021] [Accepted: 06/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Phenylalanine and serine are amino acids used in dietary supplements and nutritional products consumed by healthy consumers; however, the safe level of phenylalanine or serine supplementation is unknown. The objective of this study was to conduct two 4-week clinical trials to evaluate the safety and tolerability of graded dosages of oral phenylalanine and oral serine. Healthy male adults (n = 60, 38.2 ± 1.8y) completed graded dosages of either phenylalanine or serine supplement (3, 6, 9 and 12 g/d) for 4 weeks with 2-week wash-out periods in between. Primary outcomes included vitals, a broad spectrum of circulating biochemical analytes, body weight, sleep quality and mental self-assessment. At low dosages, minor changes in serum electrolytes and plasma non-essential amino acids glutamine and aspartic acid concentrations were observed. Serine increased its plasma concentrations at high supplemental dosages (9 and 12 g/day), and phenylalanine increased plasma tyrosine concentrations at 12 g/day, but those changes were not considered toxicologically relevant. No other changes in measured parameters were observed, and study subjects tolerated 4-week-long oral supplementation of phenylalanine or serine without treatment-related adverse events. A clinical, no-observed-adverse-effect-level (NOAEL) of phenylalanine and serine supplementation in healthy adult males was determined to be 12 g/day.
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