Potential intake of phytosterols/-stanols: results of a simulation study

Background: Different doses of phytosterols/-stanols up to a maximum of 4.0 g/day have been used in human safety studies, whereas only one small-scale study investigated some detailed clinical information about consumption levels exceeding 8.6 g/day. Objective: To determine which population groups are likely to be at risk of excessive intakes if liberal enrichment of foods with phytosterols/-stanols will be allowed. Design and subjects: Cross-sectional study among a representative sample (n=23 106) of the Dutch population, aged 20¿60 y (MORGEN-project, 1993¿1997). Phytosterol/-stanol intake was assessed with virtual replacement of one to four ordinary foods in the diet with enriched products. Percentile values were used to describe the distribution in simulated intake for different groups in the population, varying in sociodemographic and health characteristics. Multiple linear regression was used to describe the contribution of the different population characteristics to the simulated phytosterol/-stanol intake. Results: If three commonly consumed products (margarine, cheese, yoghurt) were completely replaced, the median daily phytosterol/-stanol intake will be about 5.5 g in men and 4.6 g in women. In males, the intake above the 90th percentile will exceed 8.6 g/day. Women will approach this level. Especially, age, body mass index, socioeconomic status, subjective health, smoking behaviour, alcohol consumption, pregnancy (women) and high cholesterol level (men) contributed to the variance in the simulated intake (

The opinion of Dutch dietitians about functional foods

Objective To obtain information about Dutch dietitian's attitudes, perceived knowledge, training preferences, counselling procedures, opinions about post-launch monitoring, and personal consumption of functional foods. Design A self-administered, 62-item, postal survey in 2002. Subjects Five hundred randomly selected registered dietitians. The response rate was 49% (n = 238). Results The responders (mean age ± SD: 40 ± 9 years) had regular contact with clients (90%), and many (71% of 90%) advised about functional food use. Sixty-nine per cent hardly consumed any functional food themselves. Eighty-seven per cent of the responders would greatly appreciate courses given by scientists. Confusion existed about usage practices, target groups, safety, efficacy, and claims: between 42 and 89% agreed with the statements about uncertainties. Nonetheless, 69% felt that functional foods could theoretically contribute to good bodily functioning. Ninety per cent thought post-launch monitoring (PLM) important, but ideas about a common dietetic contribution to PLM did not emerge. Conclusions Although functional foods potentially contribute to a healthful diet, there is still confusion among dietitians about claims, safety, efficacy and product-handling aspects. It is time to meet dietitians' repeated requests to provide education by noncommercial experts. In the meantime, dietitians themselves should have more say in the PLM debate because they should and could play an important role