Global vitamins leader DSM is calling on authorities to raise vitamin E intake recommendations after hosting a workshop and posting a paper on the issue that highlight public health threatening global deficiencies.
In Europe recommended intakes vary between 4-25 mg for tocopherol vitamin E forms for men. For women it ranges between 3-12 mg a day.
In the US, the recommended daily allowance (RDA) for adults is 15 mg.
DSM scientists have published an article in the International Journal for Vitamin and Nutrition Research suggesting a more appropriate level is 30mg per day.
“The required vitamin E intakes have been challenged over the past decade, following inconsistent study outcomes and subsequent media coverage,” said Dr Manfred Eggersdorfer, senior VP in nutrition science and advocacy at DSM Nutritional Products.
“In fact, vitamin E is essential as it is a key element in cell membranes to protect polyunsaturated fatty acids from oxidation. It offers numerous benefits to brain, eye, cardiovascular, maternal and infant health and also plays an important role in maintaining the immune system, especially in the elderly.”
Dr Peter Weber, DSM corporate scientist added: “Fatty liver and overweight- and obesity-related conditions are key public health issues on a global scale. DSM is calling on consumers, healthcare professionals, scientists and governments to take note of emerging science, which demonstrates that vitamin E supplementation can reduce the risk of the negative health implications of fatty liver.”
“As it is difficult to obtain the required amount of vitamin E through diet alone, this presents new and as yet untapped opportunities to dietary supplement manufacturers.”