This publication followed the previous identification of cholecalciferol and ED during its evaluation by the European Chemicals Agency under the Biocides Regulation (EU) No. 528/2012.
The decision is part of a new goal to inform consumers of the presence of adulterants in the products they buy, based on France’s AGEC law on waste reduction and the circular economy.
However, concerns have been raised about the impact of the new labeling requirements and their potential deterrent effect on consumer confidence and uptake of vitamin D products and supplements amid widespread shortages.
Vitamin D and endocrine disruption
Unlike other vitamins, vitamin D is a hormone and therefore affects the endocrine system. If we consume too much, the endocrine balance can be disturbed, which can have harmful effects on health. The French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health and Safety (ANSES) notes that serious effects have already been observed in humans following vitamin D overdose.
In publishing public opinion against the new regulations, ANSES notes that the doses of cholecalciferol used in biocidal products to kill rodents are much higher than the doses of vitamin D provided by a normal diet, including vitamin D-fortified foods.
This command confirms the presence of vitamin D3At levels above 0.1% by weight of the product, which is displayed through a special program called ‘Scan4Chem’. The app was developed as part of the EU LIFE AskREACH project to enable consumers to track the presence of harmful substances in the products they buy.
In addition, the statement “Contains the substance cholecalciferol. This substance has health benefits according to the precautions and dosage indicated on the package leaflet or product label. If in doubt, consult a health professional.” In such products, higher than the threshold value of vitamin D is displayed.
Potential risk
The IASDA report stresses: “There is concern that this decision will cause consumers to distrust vitamin D supplements, which will be problematic given the high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in the population.”
Luca Bucchini, CEO of Hylobates Consulting and Vice President of ESSNA, explains this decision: In fact, cholecalciferol, while endogenous and beneficial, interacts with the endocrine system like other important micronutrients such as iodine. And it has adverse effects in high doses.
Even after ANSES publicly declared that, although formally correct, the list would backfire, it became impossible to stop the legal mechanism, he adds.
He highlights the current prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in France, with 70% of adults having insufficient intake in 2019.
However, as for any public health concerns after the release, he says that thanks to the ANSES intervention, which was instigated by nutritionists, the damage has largely been reduced and the negative impact may not be seen. This included a series of published reports emphasizing the importance of vitamin D intake while raising awareness of the prevalence and risks associated with deficiency.
He predicts that although it has created confusion and conflicts with EU rules, the impact on consumers is likely to be low.
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