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Nucleotides play a significant role in many physiologic functions, ranging from the encoding of genetic information to signal transduction. Accumulating evidence from recent animal and clinical studies supports the original notion that nucleotides are semi-essential dietary nutrients. The development of a new technique, total potentially available nucleosides, to accurately quantify the nucleotide content in various biological fluids has allowed investigators to properly assess the importance of nucleotide function and availability in various conditions. Data from animal studies indicate that exogenous nucleotides produce beneficial gastrointestinal and immunologic effects, especially during times of rapid growth, when nucleotide availability may be low. Infant studies confirm these findings and are presented in this review. Regulatory agencies are currently using this information collectively to support the rationale for the supplementation of infant formulas with higher amounts of nucleotides. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Different approaches are used to determine ideal ranges of intakes and threshold levels of safe intakes for nutrients. A consequence of this is that, for inorganic nutrients particularly, a safe level set by traditional toxicologic procedures might be compromised because it is inconsistent with physiologic observations and customary intakes and because the levels set may allow an inordinately narrow range of safe intakes above the upper limit of recommended intakes. This article used data from studies in animal models and in human volunteers to construct a provisional continuum of adaptive processes and pathophysiologic phenomena associated with a range of copper intakes extending from toxic to deficient to suggest an approach to establishing an acceptable range of intakes for copper that would address simultaneously the advisory and regulatory needs of nutritionists and toxicologists. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Objective: The objective was to define the term evidence based nutrition on the basis of expert discussions and scientific evidence. Methods and procedures: The method used is the established Hohenheim Consensus Conference. The term “Hohenheim Consensus Conference” defines conferences dealing with nutrition-related topics. The major aim of the conference is to review the state of the art of a given topic with experts from different areas (basic science, clinicians, epidemiologists, etc.). Based on eight to 12 questions, the experts discuss short answers and try to come to a consensus. A scientifically based text is formulated that justifies the consensus answer. To discuss the requirements for the scientific substantiation of claims, the 26th Hohenheim Consensus Conference gathered the views of many academic experts in the field of nutritional research and asked these experts to address the various aspects of a claims substantiation process and the possibilities and limitations of the different approaches. Results: The experts spent a day presenting and discussing their views and arrived at several consensus statements that can serve as guidance for bodies performing claims assessments in the framework of regulatory systems. Conclusion: The 26th Hohenheim Consensus Conference addresses some general aspects and describes the current scientific status from the point of view of six case studies to illustrate specific areas of scientific interest: carotenoids and vitamin A in relation to age-related macular degeneration, the quality of carbohydrates (as expressed by the glycemic index) in relation to health and well-being, probiotics in relation to intestinal and immune functions, micronutrient intake and maintenance of normal body functions, and food components with antioxidative properties and health benefits. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]