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Vitamins, minerals & phytonutrients

Background Information

Understanding Food

Today's consumers in Europe can benefit from an unprecedented variety of food and food products, as well as an unparalleled amount of information about food, to help ensure that diets are nutritious. In particular, many modern food labels provide detailed information to help consumers understand the nutritional content of the foods they purchase. As a result, consumers are better able to make informed decisions with regard to which foods, and in what qu ...

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Science Briefs

Taking folic acid supplements for pregnancy linked to child’s speech development

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Low vitamin D levels among European adolescents

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Plant sterols lower bad cholesterol dose-dependently

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Food Today

Food fortification – optimising food’s goodness

Food fortification can be used to increase the micronutrient content of foods or to replace nutrients lost in food processing, thus playing a valuable role in preventing dietary deficiencies. We look at how fortification can benefit both individuals and population groups, whilst remaining an area of controversy.

A bright future for vitamin D

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Vitamin D has recently been hitting the headlines in Europe, highlighting the need for action to ensure that Europeans have enough vitamin D. But how should this be obtained? Is diet and sunshine enough, or do we need a bit of extra help?

Nutrient bioavailability - getting the most out of food

When we consume a food or drink, the nutrients contained are released from the matrix, absorbed into the bloodstream and transported to their respective target tissues. However, not all nutrients can be utilised to the same extent. In other words, they differ in their bioavailability. Understanding nutrient bioavailability helps optimise diets and set appropriate nutrient recommendations.

Encouraging young children to eat different vegetables

Vegetable consumption is an important component of a healthy diet; as one of the main food groups vegetable provide fibre, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. However, motivating young children to increase their intake from this food group often presents a challenge. Here are some suggestions what parents can do.

Chromium in the diet

Chromium is an essential trace element that enhances insulin function and influences carbohydrate, protein and fat metabolism. It has been suggested that chromium could be used as an adjunct to weight loss and to improve blood sugar control in people with diabetes. This article examines current understanding in these areas and outlines recommendations for chromium consumption.

Selenium in the Diet

There has been much interest in the role of selenium in recent years. As intakes have drifted downwards in Europe, concern has been expressed that marginal deficiencies may be putting us at greater risk of developing chronic diseases like cancer and heart disease. But is this the case and what should be done about it?
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Energy Balance

With only some basic data, the energy balance calculator defines your Body Mass Index (BMI), your daily energy requirements and if you are at risk for certain diseases.

ABOUT EUFIC
The European Food Information Council (EUFIC) is a non-profit organisation which communicates science-based information on nutrition and health, food safety and quality, to help consumers to be better informed when choosing a well-balanced, safe and healthful diet.

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This site was last updated 18/05/2012
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