Objective: To study the highest levels for vitamin A voluntary fortification in food by using the principles and methods of risk assessment.
Methods: The dietary nutrient intake data of 68 962 subjects form "Survey on the Status of Nutrition and Health of the Chinese People" in 2002 were analyzed to calculate the highest fortification level of vitamin A in different groups stratified by age, sex and economic development level, using maximum sage fortification level (MSFL) model recommended by European countries. The results were compared with the current national standards of China.
Results: The overall results showed that women aged ≥5 0 years had the highest MSFL(2011.5 µgRE/1000 KJ) and the men aged 14 - 17 years had the lowest MSFL (1078.5 µgRE/1000 KJ). The MSFL for pregnant women was 1066.8 µgRE/1000 KJ. The results in different areas showed that men and women aged 14 - 17 years in large city had lower MFSL(997.3 and 879.1 µgRE/1000 KJ respectively). the MSFL in other groups in different areas were between 1000 - 2000 µgRE/1000 KJ. After conversion using the lowest MSFL, the highest fortification levels for vegetable oil, wheat flour, rice, modified milk, biscuit, soybean powder, milk powder for preschool children, milk powder for pregnant and lactating women were 33 063,12 650,12 729,1978,15 929,15 411,20 642,17 920 µgRE/kg respectively,higher than the current fortified level in national standard.
Conclusion: The current fortification levels in foods are safe and the risk of over intake of vitamin A from fortified food is very low.