More about the work of the EVM

Thursday 10 January 2002

Professor Michael Langman, Chair of the Expert Group on Vitamins and Minerals (EVM), is interviewed about the Group's work.

The EVM was set up in 1998 as part of the Joint Food Safety and Standards Group (JFSSG), which was jointly run by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food and the Department of Health. Its remit is to advise on the establishment of upper safe levels of vitamin and mineral intake. The Committee is one of the few scientific advisory committees to emerge from JFSSG, the basis of which formed the Food Standards Agency. The EVM is chaired by Professor Michael Langman, Professor of Medicine in the Department of Medicine at the University of Birmingham.

The Expert Group consists of 10 members drawn from the academic community, one lay member, and four observers representing consumer organisations, the health and food industries and alternative medicine interests. It is supported by a secretariat drawn from the FSA.

As consumer demand in the UK for dietary supplements grows, there is a need to consider any possible adverse health consequences of taking high doses of vitamins and minerals, says Professor Langman. 'The Group has to take account of people's needs for these essential dietary constituents, and of all the sources from which they might come, apart from supplements,' he adds.

'In addition, we consider the needs of any vulnerable groups, either requiring high intakes, or susceptible to adverse effects at levels where other individuals would have no ill effects. However, it is not the job of the Expert Group to consider the therapeutic value of vitamins and minerals beyond essential needs. It is important to note that the Expert Group has a remit to advise on upper safe levels, but consideration of the consequences, risk management, is the job of the FSA's Food Advisory Committee.'

The Group commissions detailed scientific reports setting out data principally on the safety of vitamins and minerals, but placing this information in the context of essential needs. At its meetings, the Expert Group examines these reports, suggests areas where modification or further data might be needed, and makes preliminary assessments of possible risks. Each scientific report is then released so that individuals and interested organisations can review the evidence on which the risk assessment will be based, and can suggest data or approaches that might be usefully considered.

To ensure uniformity of approach at the conclusion of what has been a lengthy process, the Expert Group has developed and cross-considered all the risk assessments, says Professor Langman.

The broad-based membership of the Expert Group ensures that a wide perspective is obtained on its work, he adds. 'This is enhanced by the active participation of the appointed observers in the discussion of commissioned papers on the safety of vitamins and minerals. Release of these papers, amended as necessary after discussion, then provides an opportunity for outside interested parties to comment.'