Author
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Turnlund, Judith |
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Submitted to: Journal Of The American Dietetic Association
Publication Type: Book / Chapter Publication Acceptance Date: 4/1/1995 Publication Date: N/A Citation: N/A Interpretive Summary: Technical Abstract: This monograph reports the proceedings of a workshop, "Risk Assessment of Essential Elements", which addressed the risks associated with deficiency and toxicity of several essential elements. Primary emphasis of the monograph is on the methods used for establishing intake recommendations that prevent the risk of deficiency and toxicity and the sometimes conflicting results obtained from the two approaches. Experts in nutrition and toxicology contributed chapters. The major strength of the monograph is that, in addition to describing methods and recommendations in both the fields of nutrition and toxicology, these are compared and contrasted. The book includes descriptions of the methods used to establish nutritional recommendations, the Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDA) and the Estimated Safe and Adequate Daily Dietary Intakes (ESADDI), and for establishing levels safe from toxic effects, the Oral Reference Dose (RfD). In some cases, the uncertainty and safety factors incorporated in the recommendations to assure nutritional sufficiency and to minimize the risk of toxicity narrow the gap between the RDA and RfD. Factors leading to this convergence are discussed. Detailed cases are presented for five trace elements, zinc, selenium, chromium, manganese, and arsenic. The book draws attention to several important facts. Neither RDA nor RfD numbers are absolute and rigid. Numerous complex issues must be considered in developing recommendations. In many cases, inadequate data bases are available to assess these issues. The book also provides recommendations for improving risk assessments. |
