Vitamins and minerals- the more the better? Insights from the German revision of upper recommended levels for vitamins and minerals in food and food supplements

This article examines the regulatory framework in Australia and New Zealand in the context of recent German recommendations and research-findings regarding the use of vitamins and minerals. The fact that this revision is based on state-of-the-art evidence is potentially a basis to review and revise the current levels of vitamin and mineral intake for Australians. This article also includes a short risk- benefit discussion around the risks of excessive intake and the trend of vitamins claiming prophylactic or other therapeutic effects in relation to infection.