What is it all about?
On 6 June 2024, the BVL published the first report of the HoA-(Heads of Food Safety Agencies) working group "Food Supplements", or WG FS for short. Members from 26 EU countries agreed on a common approach to dealing with potentially harmful substances.
The report focuses on the use of ‘other substances’ with a nutritional or physiological effect in foods and food supplements. The aim is to create a higher level of consumer protection and a harmonised legal framework within the EU.
A total of 117 substances were considered, 13 of which were prioritised due to a potential health risk. For these 13 substances, there is a risk of overdose due to excessive intake via food supplements compared to a normal, balanced diet.
What are the 'wild 13'?
- Actaea racemosa (Black cohosh): This plant is often used in supplements to treat menopausal symptoms, but is suspected of having hepatotoxic (liver damaging) effects.
- Coumarin in herbal preparations: Coumarin is found in many herbal preparations, especially in some types of cinnamon. It can have toxic effects on the liver when ingested in high quantities and is considered carcinogenic in animal studies.
- Curcumin in Curcuma spp.-preparations: Curcumin is the main ingredient in turmeric, arguably the most popular dietary supplement. It is suspected that the high doses in food supplements could cause health risks, particularly in connection with possible liver damage.
- Hypericum perforatum (St John's wort): Commonly used to treat depression. However, St John's wort can interact with many medications, reducing their effectiveness or causing unwanted side effects.
- Lepidium meyenii (Maca): This plant is used to increase fertility and energy. However, there is a risk that taking it in high doses could cause hormonal imbalance.
- Melaleuca spp. essential oils: These essential oils, especially tea tree oil, are known for their antimicrobial properties, but they can be toxic in high doses or if used improperly, especially to the skin and nervous system.
- Melatonin: Melatonin is used to regulate the sleep-wake cycle. There are concerns about long-term use of high doses, especially in children, as it can affect hormonal balance.
- Ocimum tenuiflorum (Holy basil or Tulsi): This plant is traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine. If taken in excess, there is a risk of toxic effects on the liver and immune system.
- Piperine: is the main active ingredient in black pepper, often used in combination with other supplements to improve bioavailability. However, there are concerns that high doses can affect the digestive system and liver.
- p-Synephrine in Citrus spp. preparations: This substance is an alkaloid commonly used in dietary products. There is evidence that p-Synephrine may stress the cardiovascular system and increase the risk of high blood pressure and cardiac arrhythmias.
- Tribulus terrestris: This plant is often used as a means of enhancing athletic performance and increasing testosterone levels. There are concerns about possible hepatotoxic effects if taken in excess.
- An essential amino acid that is often supplemented to improve sleep and mood. There is a risk that high doses could lead to excess serotonin and neurological disorders.
- Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha): Traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine. If taken in excess, there are concerns about its effect on the endocrine system and potential drug interactions.
What does this mean for the trade?
Standardised regulation in the EU could make the trade in food supplements much simpler - the same rules for everyone and less bureaucracy. Companies could then sell their products throughout Europe without any problems.
For those who rely on the above-mentioned ingredients, however, this means that they may have to adapt their formulations in future.
Whether the listed products will be banned or restricted by the EU is not yet certain and will probably be decided in the coming weeks/months. We will keep you up to date 🙂
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Disclaimer
For legal reasons, we would like to point out that some of the above statements require further research and studies to scientifically substantiate them. Therefore, not all statements can currently be accepted by conventional medicine.
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