The Good News About Vitamins
by Cheryl Thallon, of Viridian
Vitamins have been big news as the latest wave of European bureaucracy shifts from bananas and crisps to vitamins. Judging from recent news coverage, you’d be forgiven for thinking that vitamins are no longer safe or legal.
The truth is vitamins are as wonderful as ever, and just as necessary.
Some background to the headlines… In order to allow the free sale of vitamins across the European Community, Brussels created the Food Supplements Directive (FSD). Initially, this Directive was widely welcomed, as vitamins and minerals are prescription-only in some EU countries. This new European law opened up these markets to British supplement companies, and was seen as a real opportunity for trade. However, as the detail emerged, those who understood Brussels-speak became increasingly nervous.
The authorities had drawn up a list of allowed nutrients, the ‘Positive List’. When first compiled, this list missed off some vitally important vitamins and minerals. Strangely, it also contained a number of forms of minerals that are commonly used in cleaning materials, but deadly if ingested - so much for the ‘experts’ in Brussels! Fortunately, genuine nutritional experts have since persuaded the authorities to add a large number of nutrients to this list. So the vast majority of vitamins and minerals are still available in your local health food shop. At least, they are for now.
There is a danger that the Positive List could be slashed again if legislators have a change of heart, or if pressure comes from a major player in the supplement industry, such