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Published on: September 18, 2018
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Dietary exposure to elements from the German pilot total diet study (TDS)
Anna Elena Kolbaum1, Katharina Berg1, Frederic Müller2
1Department of Exposure, German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), Berlin, Germany.
Summary
The first German Total Diet Study (TDS) assessed dietary exposure to toxic elements like lead and mercury, finding safe levels for adults. Essential element intake was also adequate, with no concerning exposure for women of child-bearing age.
Area of Science:
- Food safety and toxicology
- Human nutrition and public health
- Environmental health
Background:
- The first pilot Total Diet Study (TDS) in Germany was conducted to assess dietary exposure to essential and toxic elements.
- Understanding dietary intake is crucial for evaluating potential health risks and ensuring nutritional adequacy in the German adult population.
Purpose of the Study:
- To estimate the dietary exposure of the German adult population to aluminium, copper, mercury (methylmercury), manganese, and lead.
- To compare estimated exposure levels with toxicological reference values and assess the adequacy of essential element intake.
- To specifically evaluate methylmercury and lead intake in women of child-bearing age.
Main Methods:
- Utilized data from a pilot Total Diet Study (TDS) involving 246 food samples collected and prepared as consumed in the Berlin area (2014-2015).
- Combined TDS data with individual consumption data from the German National Consumption Survey II (NVS II) to estimate population-level dietary exposure.
- Analyzed food samples for elemental content and calculated mean and high-level dietary exposure values for adults aged 14-80.
Main Results:
- Estimated dietary exposure levels for aluminium, copper, mercury, manganese, and lead did not exceed established toxicological reference values for the German adult population.
- No undersupply of essential elements (copper, manganese) was detected.
- Specific assessments for methylmercury and lead in women of child-bearing age indicated no considerable elevated intake levels.
Conclusions:
- The German adult population's dietary exposure to the assessed elements is within safe limits, according to the first pilot Total Diet Study.
- The study confirms adequate intake of essential elements and no significant risk from toxic elements, including for vulnerable groups like women of child-bearing age.
- Findings support the safety of the German food supply concerning the evaluated elemental contaminants and essential nutrients.
