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The EURopean micronutrient RECommendations Aligned (EURRECA) Network of Excellence (NoE) explored an approach for setting micronutrient recommendations, which would address the variation in recommendations across Europe. Therefore, a framework for deriving and using micronutrient Dietary Reference Values (DRVs) has been developed. This framework comprises four stages (defining the problem-monitoring and evaluating-deriving dietary reference values-using dietary reference values in policy making). The aim of the present paper is to use this framework to identify specific research gaps and needs related to (1) knowledge available on specific micronutrients (folate, iodine, iron, selenium, vitamin B12, vitamin D, and zinc) and (2) the methodology presented in the framework. Furthermore, the paper describes the different outputs that support the process like protocols, guidelines, systematic review databases, and peer-reviewed publications, as well as the principal routes of dissemination of these outputs to ensure their optimal uptake in policy, practice, and research collaborations. The importance of ensuring transparency in risk assessment and risk management, systematic searching the literature, and taking into account policy options is highlighted. [Supplementary materials are available for this article. Go to the publisher's online edition of Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition for the following free supplemental files: Additional tables.]. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Currently, a factorial approach is used to derive reference values for iron. Calculations include the use of a bioavailability factor to convert the physiological requirement, derived from obligatory losses and requirements for growth and development, into a dietary intake value. A series of systematic reviews undertaken by the EURRECA Network of Excellence aimed to identify data that may increase the accuracy of factorial calculations across all population groups. The selection of robust data was guided by the use of standardized review methodology and the evidence-based selection of status biomarkers and dietary intake assessment techniques. Results corroborated the dearth of relevant factorial data, including whole-diet bioavailability data, and confirmed the need to continue extrapolating physiological requirements across population groups. Data were also unavailable that would allow reference values to be based on selected health outcomes associated with iron intake or status. Ideally, a series of observational and randomized controlled trial (RCT) studies need to be undertaken across all population groups and life stages to generate robust data for setting dietary reference values for iron. It will also be essential to include information on polymorphisms that potentially influence iron absorption and status in the derivation process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Current reference values for selenium, an essential micronutrient, are based on the intake of selenium that is required to achieve maximal glutathione peroxidase activity in plasma or erythrocytes. In order to assess the evidence of relevance to setting dietary reference values for selenium, the EURRECA Network of Excellence focused on systematic searches, review, and evaluation of (i) selenium status biomarkers and evidence for relationships between intake and status biomarkers, (ii) selenium and health (including the effect of intake and/or status biomarkers on cancer risk, immune function, HIV, cognition, and fertility), (iii) bioavailability of selenium from the diet, and (iv) impact of genotype/single nucleotide polymorphisms on status or health outcomes associated with selenium. The main research outputs for selenium and future research priorities are discussed further in this review. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a study that determined the relative importance of HFE gene, diet, lifestyle and blood loss characteristics for predicting iron status in adult men. C282Y heterozygosity is reportedly associated with transferrin saturation. Blood donation is apparently negatively associated with transferrin saturation and serum ferritin. It is observed that alcohol is the only dietary variable associated with iron status.

The article presents a study that evaluated the effect of consuming sous vide cooked salmon fish on non-heme iron bioavailability from a bean meal, rich in phytate, in iron-deficient women. The addition of fish reportedly increased iron absorption from a high-phytate bean meal. Inverse correlation between serum ferritin concentration and iron absorption and bean and fish meal is observed.

Objective: Poly-gamma-glutamic acid (PGA) increases calcium (Ca) solubility in vitro and in vivo, and is associated with reduced bone loss in post-menopausal Japanese women. This study is the first to examine the effect of PGA on Ca absorption in humans.Methods: A single-blind, randomized, crossover study with a 3-4 week wash-out was performed to determine the effect of PGA (80.6% glutamic acids) on Ca absorption measured by the double stable isotope method. Twenty-four healthy, non-smoking, postmenopausal women (mean age: 56.4 +/- SE 0.9) were given 200 g of orange juice containing 200 mg Ca as Ca-44 enriched CaCO(3), with or without 60 mg of PGA, after an overnight fast. The two tests were separated by 3-4 weeks. An intravenous injection of Ca-42 (CaCl(2) solution) was given 30 min after consuming the drink and a complete urine collection carried out from 24-48 h post-dosing. Ca absorption was calculated from the Ca isotope ratios measured by thermal ionization quadrupole mass spectrometry (TIQMS).Results: Mean Ca absorption with PGA was significantly higher (P < 0.01) than without PGA, 39.1 (SE 1.6) % and 34.6 (SE 1.9) %, respectively. The effect of PGA on increasing Ca absorption was more marked in a sub-group of subjects whose baseline Ca absorption (without PGA) was lower than the population mean value.Conclusion: Postmenopausal women who received a single dose of PGA increased their intestinal Ca absorption particularly those individuals with lower basal absorptive capacity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article provides information on a study that examined the effect of poly-ϒ-glutamic acid (PGA) on calcium absorption in humans. It hypothesized that the mode of action of PGA is increased calcium solubility in the gut lumen thereby increasing paracellular calcium absorption in the lower intestine. It concludes that postmenopausal women given a single dose of PGA demonstrated an increase in intestinal calcium absorption.