01/09/96 Vitamin and Mineral Supplementation

Vitamin and Mineral Supplementation

The Position of The American Dietetic Association: Vitamin and mineral supplementation, JADA,January 1996, Vol. 96, Number 1, pages 73-77.

The Position of The American Dietetic Association: Food irradiation, JADA, January 1996, Vol. 96, Number 1, pages 69-72.

Food Still Is The Best Strategy To Improved Health CHICAGO, January 9, 1996

The American Dietetic Association (ADA) said today that eating a wide variety of foods is the best way to obtain essential nutrients. While recognizing the sincere interest of supplement users in promoting good health, ADA cautions against vitamin and mineral supplementation as a complete nutrition strategy.

ADA's position, published in the January issue of The Journal of the American Dietetic Association, acknowledges supplementation may be one way to help some Americans stay healthy and avoid certain illnesses, but says additional scientific research on the safety and effectiveness of many vitamin and mineral supplements is still required. In addition, ADA suggests that fortification of foods and revision of recommended nutrient intakes may improve the nation's nutritional health.

Approximately 3,400 different vitamin and mineral products are available to consumers and $4 billion is spent annually on supplemental vitamin and mineral purchases. For those who choose to use supplements, ADA strongly recommends taking low levels of nutrients that do not exceed the recommended daily allowance (RDA). ADA also actively supports revising the RDAs when new research expands existing nutrition information to warrant changes in current levels.

Food Irradiation Can Enhance Safety of Nation's Food Supply

The American Dietetic Association (ADA) said today that food irradiation is one way to enhance the safety and quality of the food supply in the United States. Estimates place the number of cases of foodborne illnesses that occur domestically between 6.5 to 33 million; about 9,000 of these resulting in death.

ADA acknowledges that many consumers are not familiar with food irradiation or the dangers of foodborne illnesses from pathogens, mishandling and improper cooking techniques. In it's most recent position, published in the January issue of The Journal of the American Dietetic Association, the association encourages the government, food manufacturers, food commodity groups and dietetics professionals to continue working together to educate consumers about this technology and food safety.

Despite repeated endorsements and regulatory approval, irradiated foods are not widely available in the United States. Worldwide, 38 countries permit food irradiation, and in Europe more than 28 billion pounds of food is irradiated annually.

ADA cautions that food irradiation does not replace proper food handling.

And, the association concludes that irradiation cannot enhance the quality of food that is not fresh, or prevent contamination that occurs after irradiation during storage or preparation.

With more than 66,500 members, the Chicago-based American Dietetic Association is the world's largest organization of food and nutrition professionals. ADA serves the public by promoting optimal nutrition, health and well-being.

The Journal of the American Dietetic Association is the most widely-read, peer-reviewed periodical in the dietetics field. Published monthly, it brings original research, critical reviews and reports, authoritative information and expert commentary to nutrition and dietetics professionals throughout the world.