A review of the MAFF Optimal Nutrition Status research programme: folate, iron and copper

Abstract

Objective: The objective was to conduct a critical appraisal of research conducted within one of the UK government's research programmes, Optimal Nutrition Status, and to place the findings of this work in the context of the international research effort, to assist policy makers and advisers. Nine nutrients are addressed within the programme; the findings for three of these are reported here: folate/folic acid, iron and copper. Design: To conduct the review, the researchers had access to all unpublished progress reports, submitted to officials, arising from the projects. The overall assessment criterion was whether the information generated by the research programme could be regarded as reliable experimental data of direct relevance to setting optimal dietary requirements for the particular micronutrients. However, findings were also assessed against specific scientific criteria concerning understanding of the bioavailability, interactions, development of functional markers and inter-individual variations in metabolism, for each of the nutrients scrutinised.

The Food Standards Agency's antioxidants in food programme – a summary*

“… The USA's National Academy of Sciences review of vitamin C, vitamin E, selenium and carotenoids (National Academy of Sciences Food and Nutrition Board, 2000); the EU‐funded EUROFEDA project (Lindsay & Astley, 2002); the EU‐funded ESCODD project (http://www.rowett.ac.uk/escodd); the work of the FSA's Expert Group of vitamins and minerals (http://www.food.gov.uk); and the review conducted by BNF of the FSA's Optimal Nutrition Status research programme (Buttriss & Hughes, 2000; Buttriss et al ., 2000; Hughes & Buttriss, 2000a; b; British Nutrition Foundation, 2001; Buttriss & Hughes, 2002). …”

“…the review conducted by BNF of the FSA's Optimal Nutrition Status research programme (Buttriss & Hughes, 2000; Buttriss et al ., 2000; Hughes & Buttriss, 2000a; b; British Nutrition Foundation, 2001; Buttriss & Hughes, 2002).…”

Antioxidants in food: a summary of the review conducted for the Food Standards Agency

“…The findings of this review should be considered in the context of other recently completed and on‐going reviews, which include: The National Academy of Sciences (USA) review of vitamin C, vitamin E, selenium and carotenoids (National Academy of Sciences 2000); the EU Concerted Action, European Research on Functional Effects of Dietary Antioxidants (EUROFEDA) (Lindsay & Astley 2002); the EU‐funded concerted action known as the European Standards Committee on Oxidative DNA Damage (ESCODD) project (http://www.rowett.ac.uk/escodd); the work of the Food Standard Agency's Expert Group on Vitamins and Minerals (http://www.food.gov.uk); and the review conducted by BNF of the FSA's Optimal Nutrition Status research programme (British Nutrition Foundation 2001; Buttriss & Hughes 2000, 2002; Buttriss et al . 2000; Hughes & Buttriss 2000a, b).…”

What should the future direction for nutrition research be and how should the research be funded and managed?

“…Traditionally, the dissemination of the results of government‐funded research projects, beyond the immediate audience of fellow academics, has been very poor and needs to be addressed, although progress seems to have been made in recent months. We hope that the BNF's efforts here have contributed to this process, both in terms of the general work of the Foundation and through the outputs of our contract work (Buttriss & Hughes 1800, 1802; Buttriss et al 1800; Hughes & Buttriss 1800a, b). Contractors’ final reports are often written in a style that is inaccessible to all but those working in the field.…”