Health concerns raised over vitamin supplements

Some vitamins and minerals could cause cancer if taken in sufficiently high doses, according to new research by the Food Standards Agency (FSA).

Following today's publication of the report by the Expert Group on Vitamins and Minerals (EVM), the FSA is advising people not to take chromium picolinate and will back a ban proposal over its use in food supplements because of cancer fears.

The research also found that – if taken for long periods at the highest supplemental doses – there were "irreversible harmful effects" associated with substances like beta-carotene (especially for smokers and people who have been exposed to asbestos), nicotinic acid, zinc, manganese (especially for older people) and phosphorus.

The FSA also repeated its advice that people should not take more than 10 mg a day of vitamin B6 from food supplements – unless acting on medical advice – as taking large amounts for a long time can lead to a loss of feeling in the arms and legs. Generally these symptoms are reversible but in a few cases the effect has been irreversible.

Levels of vitamin C above 1000 mg a day could also cause abdominal pain and diarrhoea. Similarly, high intakes of calcium (above 1500 mg a day) and iron (above 17 mg a day) may result in similar symptoms in some people. However, these symptoms should disappear once people stop taking the supplements.

While the amounts of most vitamins and minerals that people take are not usually considered to be harmful, the FSA has set out 31 recommendations advising the public on what levels of supplements are unlikely to cause harm.

Sir John Krebs, chair of the FSA, said: "While in most cases you can get all the nutrients you need from a balanced diet, many people choose to take supplements. But taking some high dose supplements over a long period of time could be harmful.

"We are using an extremely thorough independent expert review of the scientific evidence on the safety of vitamins and minerals as the basis for new advice to help consumers make informed choices. In addition, the Board of the Food Standards Agency will be considering what further action we would wish the supplements industry to take."

(GMcG)