Poland limits vitamin and mineral levels in the absence of European regulation

Due to the lack of a definitive European regulatory framework to harmonize the limitations of vitamin and mineral levels in food supplements by the European Union (EU), Poland establishes its own regulation as did other European countries.

The Polish authorities in health and epidemiology, chosen by the Ministry of Health, published on May 22 and June 11 the maximum levels for vitamins A, C, D and B3 (niacin), B9 (folic acid), and as well as for manganese and zinc ores. It is important to limit some of these substances since their excessive intake can carry potential risks ranging from nausea and vomiting, to problems in the fetus for pregnant women.

It is not the first time that Poland has carried out a national regulation due to the lack of regulatory harmonization in the EU. Also on January 14 sanctioned a regulation to limit the maximum amount and use of isoflavones (derived from soybeans and other substances), aloe vera and beta alanine. Now in a more regulated way, Poland limits levels of vitamins and minerals. It is not an isolated case.

The Netherlands, France and Germany, among other countries, have already taken regulatory measures to limit the amount of certain vitamins and minerals, but disparate each other. Spain has not incorporated any limitations so far. The levels that Poland established for adults, so far were: – Vitamin D: Up to 50 micrograms/day for adults.

Recommend to declare on the label: “Before using, it is advisable to perform a 25- (0H) D blood test and consult the result with a doctor or pharmacist.” – Vitamin C: Up to 1000 milligrams/day for adults. In food supplements with high doses of vitamin C, they advise using this warning statement on the label: “Its consumption is not recommended in people with a predisposition to form kidney stones or those who suffer from kidney stones.” – Vitamin A: Up to 800 micrograms of retinol equivalent (RE)/day. A maximum of up to 7 milligrams/day is set for beta-carotene. – Folic acid: Up to 600 micrograms/day for adults and up to 800 micrograms for pregnant women.

For food supplements containing 800 micrograms, the use of the following statement on the label is advised: “Pregnant women should consult their doctor before taking this supplement.” – Niacin: In the case of niacinamide, up to 830 milligrams/day. For nicotinic acid, the maximum set is 16 milligrams/day. – Manganese: Up to 1.8 milligrams/day – Zinc: Up to 15 milligrams/day.

In LegaleGo we are specialized in the review and notification of food supplements throughout Europe. Therefore, we are continuously analyzing and reviewing the different regulations that countries are developing.