Nutrient essentiality revisited (LB407)

Abstract

The objective of this project was to present case studies providing supportive rationale for expanding the definitions and criteria for nutrient essentiality. An environmental scan was conducted for terms used to describe food constituents which may not be considered essential in the traditional sense, yet still provide additional health benefits. A panel of international experts reviewed classic and emerging criteria for essentiality and examined various food constituents not currently considered to be essential, but which possess desirable health effects. The panel considered fiber and plant sterols as good candidates for case studies and presented evidence to justify expanding the list of food constituents regarded as meeting criteria for essentiality. Fiber and plant sterols, although not considered essential for growth, development or survival, were deemed by the panel as essential for sub‐populations such as hypercholesterolemic groups. Furthermore, fiber in the form of prebiotics was regarded as essential as a foodstuff for part of the gut microbiotia. In summary, existing categorization of nutrients as essential needs to be expanded to reflect advances in current science, as well as evolving definitions of the concepts of essentiality. A review of non‐classical compounds, now known to have bioactivity, should be considered for their potential essentiality.Grant Funding Source: Supported by: Danone Institute International, Palaiseau, France