Canadian and U.S. governments announced that long-chain omega-3 fatty acids DHA and EPA and fat-soluble vitamin E have been selected to undergo Dietary Reference Intake (DRI), and according to DSM (Parsippany, NJ), the review bodes well for the future of the nutritional products market.

Omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin E and two other nutrients were selected from 26 nominations (16 nutrients) as being worthy of the in-depth review process that is undertaken for the establishment or revision of a DRI, reported DSM.

William Turney, head of regulatory affairs, DSM, said the company is gratified to see this recognition of omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin E by such authoritative nutrition leaders as the DRI committees in North America. “DSM has a deep commitment to the nutrition industry and strong confidence in its future,” said Turney.

Because the DRI review process is lengthy and expensive, the DRI Committees must prioritize new DRI reviews, reported DSM, adding the criteria are evidence of significant, new, and relevant data published since the last DRI review and relevance to current public health concerns.

Will Black, vice president of marketing, DSM, said the establishment of a DRI for Omega-3’s will be a huge step forward for consumers, health care providers and manufacturers.

“Once there are accepted reference values, appropriate guidelines for supplementation and fortified foods will be available, as well as guidelines for labeling and other forms of consumer communications,” said Black. “In the case of vitamin E, the current DRI was established in 2000 and needs to be revisited. Since then, thousands of studies have been conducted on vitamin E’s role in cardiovascular health, diabetes, eye health, immune function andmore recently cognitive health.”

The U.S. and Canadian government agencies also announced a workshop in 2015 on the potential use of chronic disease endpoints in setting DRI values for the selected nutrients. This workshop will address whether and how chronic disease outcomes can be incorporated into setting DRI values, which would be a landmark in the history of the DRIs, reported DSM.

“Both an expert report on the potential of nutrients to reduce risk of chronic diseases and new DRIs will have a tremendous impact on the marketplace,” said Black. “They will give people a framework to evaluate whether they are getting enough of these critical nutrients in their diet.”

For more information, visit www.dsm.com.