Marine fish trade globalizes nutrients and contaminants. Using trade data, human demographic information, and nutrient and contaminant exposure data, the estimated direct consumption of traded fish from Northeast Atlantic Ocean (NEAO) catches varied among 155 importer countries/regions. The associated trade pathways globalised high amounts of important nutrients including iodine, selenium, and eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid (EPA+DHA) and contributed greatly to annual domestic EPA+DHA requirements for small-population importers (e.g., Lithuania: 62.8%) but not for high-population importers (e.g., Chinese mainland). Traded amounts of mercury, dioxin, and dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls (dl-PCBs) from the NEAO fish were low, and associated pathway contributions to total domestic mercury exposures were <4%. Changes in fish body size affected nutrient and contaminant fillet concentrations and subsequently trade dynamics of nutrients and contaminants. Our study provides valuable insights regarding seafood globalization and marine fish trade that can be used to support adaptive management strategies for contaminants and nutrition-sensitive policies.

Nutrients and contaminants are monitored in commercially produced feed materials, fish feed and farmed Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) in Norway. In this study, we present data for several nutrients such as fatty acids, vitamin D and selenium, and contaminants like dioxins, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), organochlorine pesticides, mercury, cadmium, lead and arsenic in fish feed and fillet of Atlantic salmon for the years 2006–2021. The results showed co-occurring trends in concentrations of several of the nutrients and contaminants in fish feed and fillet of Atlantic salmon for the time period studied. The long-chain omega-3 fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and docosapentaenoic acid (DPA) decreased in concentrations over the time period studied, while the concentrations of alpha-linolenic acid, linoleic acid and oleic acid increased in both feed and fillet. The concentration of several contaminants, including polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and polychlorinated dibenzofurans (dioxins) and dioxin-like PCBs (dl-PCBs), non-dioxin-like indicator PCBs (PCB-6), DDT and mercury, decreased in both feed and salmon fillet. The most pronounced changes in concentration were observed between 2006 and 2014, while the levels remained more stable from 2014 to 2021. Although the level of some of the nutrients decreased, a portion of Atlantic farmed salmon fillet remains a good source of EPA, DHA, vitamin D and selenium. The reduction in levels of contaminants, such as dioxins and dl-PCBs and mercury, in salmon fillets, has lowered the health risk associated with the presence of these contaminants in salmon.

European hake (EH - Merluccius merluccius) are a commercially valuable, high trophic position marine fish species inhabiting the Northeast Atlantic Ocean (NEAO). Here, we investigated total mercury (Hg) bioaccumulation and trophic transfer dynamics, and selenium (Se) Hg interactions in EH fillets at a historic waste disposal site with a known Hg point source (n = 25) and at reference sites (n = 763) throughout Norway. Fillet concentrations of Hg (> 91 % methylmercury - MeHg) and Se, were elevated in samples from the polluted site (Hgpolluted = 0.271 ± 0.153, Hgreference = 0.114 ± 0.096, Sepolluted = 0.425 ± 0.033, and Sereference = 0.321 ± 0.044 mg/kg wet weight). The opposite was found for Se:Hg molar ratios (Se:Hgreference = 12.1 ± 7.91, Se:Hgpolluted = 6.39 ± 4.96), however when controlling for Hg concentrations, the EH Se:Hg ratio from the polluted site was higher compared to reference conditions. We further investigated trophic niches using stable carbon, nitrogen, and Hg isotopes and found different isotopic niches between reference and polluted sites. EH from both site types had different Hg isotopic signatures and were enriched in heavier isotopes at reference sites (e.g., δ202Hgreference = 0.964 ± 0.177, δ202Hgpolluted = 0.714 ± 0.115 ‰). Hg enriched in fillet tissue primarily underwent MeHg photodegradation at both sites. However, due to the local Hg point source, lower MDF isotope values and odd MIF isotope values (e.g., ∆199Hgreference = 0.981 ± 0.105, and ∆199Hgpolluted = 0.829 ± 0.110 ‰) were observed at the polluted site. Overall, our findings indicate good discriminability regarding Hg source apportionment and highlight the role of point source pollution as an important modulator of the EH Hg bioaccumulation regime in the NEAO study system.

Demand for n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs) exceeds supply. Large-scale studies on effects of season and geography of n-3 PUFAs in marine fish from the Northeast Atlantic Ocean (NEAO) may be used to optimize utilization and improve nutrition security. Using a sinusoid model, seasonal cycles of n-3 PUFAs were determined and found to be species-specific and clearly pronounced for the pelagic zooplankton feeding species. The Greenland halibut showed very little seasonal variation. The n-3 PUFA content in North Sea autumn-spawning (NSAS) herring peaked in summer, while Norwegian spring-spawning (NSS) herring and mackerel had their peak in autumn. A time shift of peaks in n-3 PUFAs between the two herring stocks was detected, likely due to different spawning strategies in addition to a delay of n-3 PUFAs flux in the northern regions of the NEAO. This study demonstrates that consideration of nutrient contents, such as n-3 PUFAs, when organizing and structuring fishery approaches may improve overall nutritional yield. Based on total annual Norwegian fish landings and seasonal variation in n-3 PUFA contents, n-3 PUFAs yield could theoretically be increased from 13.79 kilo ton per year from the current fishing tactics, to 15.54 if the pelagic species were only caught during the time of their seasonal n-3 PUFA peaks. Pelagic fish is a good source for dietary n-3 PUFAs, but harvest timing will also influence n-3 PUFAs intake by human consumers. One portion of fatty fish harvested during winter/spring may not meet the weekly intake reference nutritional guidelines for n-3 PUFAs. Marine n-3 PUFAs yields also varied geographically and decreased southwards, with the lowest values in Skagerrak. This study can serve as a model to understand patterns of reproductive cycles and geographical distribution of n-3 PUFAs in fatty fish from the NEAO and the novel approach may be useful to support sustainable, seasonal fishing programmes for optimization of n-3 PUFAs yields.

The development and management of our future aquatic food systems play a pivotal role in achieving the UN sustainable development goals (SDGs). While expanding aquatic food systems align with the ambitions of national 'blue economy' strategies, understanding challenges and opportunities is essential for successful expansion. Three globally relevant case studies—seaweed farming and harvesting, bivalve farming and harvesting, and tuna fisheries—were identified. A literature review revealed challenges and opportunities linked to UN SDGs related to poverty (1), hunger (2), health (3), gender equality (5), responsible consumption (12), climate action (13), and life below water (14). Although no single solution addresses all challenges, the cases emphasize that adapted spatial and ecosystem-based management offers pathways to address major challenges and capitalize on key opportunities.

In this study, we aimed to evaluate the impact of consuming refined mackerel oil (MO) from rest raw material on hepatic fat accumulation, glucose tolerance, and metabolomic changes in the liver from male C57BL/6N mice. The mice were fed either a Western diet (WD) or a chow diet, with 30 g or 60 g MO per kg of diet (3% or 6%) for 13 weeks. Body weight, energy intake, and feed efficiency were monitored throughout the experiment. A glucose tolerance test was conducted after 11 weeks, and metabolomic analyses of the liver were performed at termination. Inclusion of MO in the WD, but not in the chow diet, led to increased liver weight, hepatic lipid accumulation, elevated fasting blood glucose, reduced glucose tolerance, and insulin sensitivity. Hepatic levels of eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acid increased, but no changes in levels of saturated and monounsaturated fatty acids were observed. The liver metabolomic profile was different between mice fed a WD with or without MO, with a reduction in choline ether lipids, phosphatidylcholines, and sphingomyelins in mice fed MO. This study demonstrates that supplementing the WD, but not the chow diet, with refined MO accelerates accumulation of hepatic fat droplets and negatively affects blood glucose regulation. The detrimental effects of supplementing a WD with MO were accompanied by increased fat digestibility and overall energy intake, and lower levels of choline and choline-containing metabolites in liver tissue.

Very low calorie diets (VLCD products) are formulated products with 450 – 800 kcal per day intended to replace the whole diet. Regulation of VLCD is not harmonised in the EU, and there is no specific national Norwegian legislation for these products. The Norwegian Food Safety Authority has requested VKM to propose minimum and maximum limits for the content of fat/ fatty acids, protein, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals in VLCD products based on acknowledged scientific documentation. VKM is also asked to evaluate if VLCD products are suitable in the treatment of obese subjects with type 2 diabetes, and possible contraindications for use of VLCD. This assessment is based upon the SCOOP-report “Collection of data on products intended for use in very-low-calorie-diets” (SCOOP, 2002) and new literature mainly after 2002. Based on the available scientific literature, the VKM Panel on nutrition, dietetic products novel food and allergy has concluded that, on a daily basis, VLCD products should provide minimum 55 g carbohydrates, 10 g fibres, 50 g high quality protein and 7 g fat, including 3 g from linoleic acid and 0.5 g from α-linolenic acid. The amino acid scoring pattern should be in accordance with the protein-digestibility-corrected amino acid score. VLCD products should provide minimum 10 µg vitamin D per day, and the minimum recommended daily intake for the other vitamins and minerals. No maximum limits are suggested for carbohydrates, protein or fat, as the energy will be the limiting factor. The fibre content should not exceed 30 g per day, and the VKM Panel recommends that the maximum limits for vitamins, minerals and trace elements should equal two times the recommended daily intake. VLCD will give short-term weight loss and improvement in blood pressure, serum lipids and glycemia in obese subjects with type 2 diabetes, and no serious adverse effects have been reported. VLCD may impede the educational process needed in the treatment of diabetes, and should therefore only be used as part of an educational program in obese subjects with type 2 diabetes, and only under medical supervision. VLCD is contraindicated in children, adolescents, pregnant and lactating women, elderly (above 65 years old) and in subjects with heart failure, cerebrovascular disease, gallstone disease, kidney- and liver diseases, psychiatric disorders, and in subjects with BMI ≤ 30 kg/m2. In addition one should be aware of the reducing effect of VLCD on blood pressure and the effect on hyperglycaemia which may cause problems if pharmacological therapies for these conditions are given. Medical supervision is recommended if VLCD treatment exceeds 3 weeks. To prepare this report, VKM established an ad hoc group (members listed above). The VKM Panel on Nutrition, Dietetic Products, Novel Food and Allergy has discussed and adopted this opinion.

The regulation of infant formulas is under revision, including the national restriction on sales of infant formulas with partially hydrolysed proteins to pharmacies only. In December 2007 the Norwegian Food Safety Authority requested an opinion from the Norwegian Scientific Committee for Food Safety on infant formulas with partially hydrolysed protein. The opinion should cover an evaluation of risks associated with the replacement of conventional infant formulae (based on intact protein) by infant formula based on partially hydrolysed protein, including a specification of the risks associated with the consumption of infant formula based on partially hydrolysed proteins among infants with cow’s milk allergy. Furthermore, the opinion should include an evaluation of the preventive effect from formula with partially hydrolysed proteins on development of cow’s milk allergy. To complete this task, VKM has established an ad hoc group that has prepared this report. The Panel on Nutrition, Dietetic Products, Novel Food and Allergy has discussed and adopted this opinion. The main conclusions are that although no studies show that partially hydrolysed formulas have negative effect on growth, measures should be taken in order to avoid that partially hydrolysed formulas replace regular infant formulas in the general population. Hydrolysed proteins have a high absorption rate, and ingestion of hydrolysed proteins have been shown to increase gastric emptying and plasma glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide relative to the intact protein forms. Feeding partially hydrolysed formulas to infants with cow’s milk allergy constitutes a risk of eliciting an allergic reaction which in worst case may be fatal. The risk that an infant with cow’s milk allergy will receive partially hydrolysed formula may increase if the products are sold with claims such as reduced risk towards cow’s milk allergy and reduced risk of developing cow’s milk allergy together with ordinary infant formula outsides pharmacies. The risk of developing cow’s milk allergy is not shown to be reduced by introducing partially hydrolysed formula instead of regular formula during the first 4-6 months. There has not been demonstrated any preventive effect from hydrolysed formulas after the age of 6 months on the development of allergic disease.

On 10. March 2006 , The Norwegian Food Safety Authority (Mattilsynet) decided that, on the basis of VKM’s previous risk assessment (2005), Nutramigen 1 with Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) could not be marketed in Norway as medical foods for infants (0-4 months). In addition, The Norwegian Food Safety Authority (Mattilsynet) decided (08. November 2006) to withdraw permission for marketing of Nutramigen 2 with LGG, which is a milk supplement for infants aged between 4 and 6 months, with cow’s milk and soy protein allergy. On 13. December 2006, Mead Johnson Nutritionals appealed against this decision from The Norwegian Food Safety Authority (Mattilsynet). The Norwegian Food Safety Authority forwarded the appeal from the companies, asked the VKM Panel on biological hazards and the VKM Panel on nutrition, dietetic products, novel food and allergy, for a new risk assessment including the new data provided in the appeal. LGG is one of the most studied probiotic strains. Lactic acid produced by LGG in the human gut results in a decrease in faecal pH, which in turn inhibits colonisation by potentially pathogenic bacteria. Short-term beneficial effects from administration of LGG to infants and young children with infectious diarrhoea have been reported in a number of studies, but a prophylactic effect on diarrhoea has not been documented. Furthermore, whilst some studies have reported a prophylactic, or even a curative, effect of LGG on atopic eczema in young children, more recent studies do not report such effects. Some even suggest an increased incidence of allergic sensitization in children receiving LGG supplemented formula at an early age. There are no published data that demonstrate long-term clinical benefits of infant formula supplemented with LGG for children between 4 months and 3 years, although no immediate deleterious effects of LGG have been found. Possible long-term effects of LGG on intestinal colonisation, and its effects on long-term gastrointestinal and immune functions, are not known. LGG, as an ingredient in infant formula and baby foods, is intended for daily use in the target group, and not for short-term, specific treatment. Furthermore, the targeted consumer group includes children below the age of twelve months. These two aspects demand particular consideration with regard to the unknown effects of long-term treatment with large doses of live bacteria on the ecology of the microbiota of the gastrointestinal tract and on the immune system. Neither of these systems is fully matured in infants and small children, and therefore may be particularly susceptible. There is no documented prophylactic effect of LGG on any disease in children. The effect of treatment with LGG-supplemented formula in small children is questionable, except for a documented short-term effect on infectious diarrhoea. Panel on Biological Hazards and Panel on nutrition, dietetic products, novel food and allergy at the Norwegian Scientific Committee for Food Safety find that the data available are not sufficient to support the suggested beneficial effects, or the safety, of LGG in infant formula and baby foods for children aged between 4 months and 3 years, when the products are intended for daily use.

Oily seafood is an important food source which contains several key nutrients beneficial for human health. On the other hand, oily seafood also contains persistent organic pollutants (POPs), including the dioxin-like compounds (DLCs) polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins/polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs) and dioxin-like-polychlorinated biphenyls (dl-PCBs), potentially detrimental to human health. For a comprehensive comparison of the beneficial and potentially adverse health effects of seafood consumption, risk-benefit analyses are necessary. Risk-benefit analyses require reliable quantitative data and sound knowledge of uncertainties and potential biases. Our dataset comprised more than 4000 analyses of DLCs and more than 1000 analyses each of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and vitamin D in the three most important Norwegian commercial oily seafood species: Atlantic herring (Clupea harengus), Atlantic mackerel (Scomber scombrus) and farmed Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar). The levels of several DLC congeners were below the limit of quantification (LOQ), making estimation of true levels challenging. We demonstrate that the use of upper bound substitution of censored data will overestimate, while lower bound substitution will underestimate the actual levels of DLCs. Therefore, we implement an alternative robust statistical method by combining Maximum Likelihood Estimation, Regression on Order Statistics and Kaplan-Meier analyses, which is better suited for providing estimations of levels of these contaminants in seafood. Moreover, we illustrate the impact of the toxic equivalency factor (TEF) system on estimation of the sums of DLCs by comparing the TEF system to an alternative system of relative effect potency (REP) factors (Consensus Toxicity Factors). The levels of nutrients and contaminants were related to adequate intake (AI) and tolerable weekly intake (TWI), respectively. We used AI and the TWI values established by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). The benefit and the risk were further viewed in the context of the Norwegian average intake of oily fish, and the Norwegian governmental official dietary recommendations of oily fish. Our results showed that both benefit and risk are met at the levels found of nutrients and DLCs in oily seafood. The comprehensive quantitative data presented here will be a key for future risk-benefit assessment of oily fish consumption. Together, our results underline that a refined formalized integrative risk-benefit assessment of oily fish in the diet is warranted, and that the data and methodology presented in this study are highly relevant for future integrated and multidisciplinary assessment of both risks and benefits of seafood consumption for human health.

The changes in the feed of farmed Atlantic salmon (Salmo solar) towards a more plant-based diet affect the nutritional value of the fillets. By compiling the contents of a range of nutrients in 1108 samples of Norwegian farmed Atlantic salmon collected between 2005 and 2020, we found that the median contents of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) + docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) have decreased by > 60%. However, farmed Atlantic salmon remains a considerable source of EPA and DHA, with one and two portions being sufficient to meet the weekly adequate intake of EPA and DHA for adults (175 g) and two-year-olds (80 g), respectively. Farmed Atlantic salmon also remains a considerable source of protein, selenium, vitamin B-12, and vitamin D-3. Together, we demonstrate that farmed Atlantic salmon can contribute substantially to the nutrient intake of the consumers. These data are important for the Norwegian food composition table and future risk-benefit assessments on fatty fish consumption.

Marine fish from the North East Atlantic Ocean (NEAO) are nutrient rich and considered a valuable economic resource. However, marine fish are also a major dietary source of several contaminants, including persistent organic pollutants (POPs) and heavy metals. Using one of the world's largest seafood datasets (n > 25,000 individuals), comprising 12 commercially important fish species collected during 2006–2019 in the NEAO, we assessed the co-occurrence of elements and POPs, and evaluated potential risks to human consumers. Several positive correlations between concentrations of mercury (Hg), dioxins, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) were observed. Concentrations of Hg, dioxins, PCBs and PBDEs increased from North to South and associations between marine sediment contamination, sea temperature, and fish Hg and POPs concentrations were identified using multi-linear regression (MLR) models. In general, Hg concentrations in fillet and liver of fish were positively associated with increases in both sediment contamination and sea temperature. POPs concentrations in both fillet and liver were positively associated with increases in sediment contamination, and only POPs concentrations in the liver of benthopelagic and demersal species were found to be positively correlated with sea temperature. Using a probabilistic approach to estimate human contaminant exposure from seafood, we showed that intake of pelagic species posed the highest risk of dioxins and dioxin-like PCBs (DL-PCBs) exposure, while intake of benthopelagic and demersal species posed the highest risk of Hg exposure. This study can serve as a model to further understand the distribution, co-occurrence, and trends of contaminants in seafood harvested from the NEAO and their potential risks to human consumers.

The Norwegian Scientific Committee for Food Safety (VKM) has appointed an ad hoc-group of experts to answer a request from the Norwegian Food Safety Authority regarding benefit and risk assessment of Lactobacillus paracasei ssp. paracasei F19 (F19) in processed cerealbased baby foods intended for small children 1-3 years. This assessment is based on the literature provided by the notifier as well as that found by a MEDLINE search. A notification regarding two products of processed cereal-based baby foods (hereafter called cereals), intended for small children and supplemented with the bacterium F19 initiated this work. A daily supply of a monoculture of a particular bacterial strain in large quantities to an age group without a fully established intestinal flora, may have unknown adverse effects. There are however, to our knowledge, no studies investigating possible short or long term adverse health effects of F19 in processed cereal-based baby food given to children 13 months onwards. The documentation and information provided by the notifier regarding the genetic stability of F19 in the two products during processing and storage, is considered insufficient and does not allow any conclusions to be drawn. Moreover, the documentation obtained is not conclusive regarding the antibiotic resistance pattern of the bacterial strain used in the products in question, as the information on different antibiotics is partly inconsistent. The information about specific localization (chromosomal, plasmid) of the resistance genes is not sufficient. Studies demonstrate that F19, as well as other bacterial strains considered probiotic, is able to “crosstalk” with enterocytes in mice and that the result of the “crosstalk” depends upon the microbiota present. Whether F19 has a similar “crosstalk-profile” in humans is unknown. However, as the strain is originally of human origin, it seems reasonable to assume that such “crosstalk” may occur. Thus, before giving F19 daily for months and years, it seems reasonable to ask for additional molecular and physiological studies to unravel the functional impact of possible changes in genetic expression in children. Lactobacillus infections do occasionally occur, mainly as bacteremia, endocarditis and localized infections (e.g. abscesses, peritonitis, and meningitis) in patients with severe underlying diseases. Most of them are elderly, but children are not excluded. The species most often isolated are L. casei and L. rhamnosus, followed by L. paracasei. The increasing use of immunosuppressive therapy and broad spectrum antibiotics which are ineffective against Lactobacillus, might increase the importance of these bacteria as possible pathogens. In order to be able to draw any conclusions regarding beneficial effects of F19, there is a need for randomized placebo-controlled studies in larger populations and in the relevant age group. According to EFSA, Lactobacillus paracasei ssp. paracasei F19 is sufficiently characterized. The documentation provided is, however, not sufficient to claim positive health effects and thus F19 is not proven to be probiotic. There are no published dose-response studies of F19 in children, neither regarding survival of F19 in the gastrointestinal tract, nor possible negative health effects. Thus the potential for negative health effects as e.g. spreading of antimicrobial resistance or unfavourable impact on the genetic expression in children related to the frequency and/or dose of a monoculture of F19 cannot be assessed.

The Norwegian Scientific Committee for Food Safety (Vitenskapskomiteen for mattrygghet, VKM) has at the request of the Norwegian Food Safety Authority (Mattilsynet) conducted an assessment of creatine in sports products (e.g. supplements). The evaluation has been performed by an ad hoc group, and assessed by the VKM Panel on nutrition, dietetic products, novel food and allergy. The evaluation of safety and possible risks of creatine supplementation in this opinion is based on previous reports, 23 original papers and 14 reviews from literature searches. Marketing and sales of sport products are increasing in the Nordic countries, with creatine supplements being one of four most common categories. In addition to be used by athletes, the use of creatine supplements seems to increase among general exercisers and young people. Creatine supplements are mainly used for their supposed effects on muscles mass and high intensity and short duration sport performances. Supplementation has been shown to result in higher concentration of creatine phosphate in the muscles, which is the limited substrate. For athletes, it is recommended a loading dose of 10-20 g/day for 4-7 days and a maintenance dose of 2-5 g/day for weeks or months. Some athletes continue the maintenance dose for several years. It is well documented that creatine supplementation has positive effects on muscle mass combined with strength training and performance during maximal exercise. There are however large individual variation in the response, and there are responders and non-responders. The new scientific literature, including long term studies, is in line with the EFSA (European Food Safety Authority) opinion from 2004. VKM Panel on nutrition, dietetic products, novel food and allergy supports the EFSA conclusion that supplementation of creatine in doses below 3 g/day is unlikely to pose any risks if the purity of the creatine compound is adequate. Scientific long-term studies with doses up to 5-10 g/day in adult athletes have shown no harmful effects, but there are no dose-response studies indicating a safe upper limit for creatine. The potential negative effects (impaired kidney function, weight gain and gastrointestinal disturbances) which have been published in non scientific journals and anecdotal reports have not found support in controlled systematic studies on healthy subjects. It has been indicated that individuals with impaired kidney functions should refrain from creatine supplements. Creatine-monohydrate is the most studied form of creatine supplements, and only creatine monohydrate has been included in the scientific investigations on adverse effects.

In 2006 the, the Panel on Nutrition, Dietetic Products, Novel Food and Allergy in the Norwegian Scientific Committee for Food Safety (VKM) adapted a Danish model for assessing applications concerning food fortification into Norwegian conditions. The fortification model is presently used by the Norwegian Food Safety Authorities as a tool in the management of applications on food fortification. The model from 2006 was based on intake calculations from dietary surveys from 1997-2000. Since then, new national dietary surveys have been published. These are the comprehensive nationwide Norwegian dietary surveys among adults (Norkost 3, 2010-2011), among young children (Småbarnskost, 2007) and infants (Spedkost, 2006-2007). The Norwegian Food Safety Authority has requested VKM to implement the new data into the fortification model from 2006. In the model from 2006 it is assumed that 25% of the energy in the diet can be derived from fortified foods and drinks. Information from the Norwegian Food Safety Authority, including about a pilot study for Norkost 3 suggested that the overall intake of fortified foods and drinks was marginal. From management of applications for fortified foods, the Norwegian Food Safety Authority also experienced that there are few fortified foods on the market in Norway. The Norwegian Food Safety Authority has therefore requested VKM to evaluate whether the assumption that 25 energy percent (E%) deriving from fortified foods can be reduced to 15 E%, and if such a reduction will have health implications. In addition, the Norwegian Food Safety Authority has asked VKM to perform an evaluation of the safety factors in the model. VKM argues that the model for fortification should be based on the dietary intake of vitamins and minerals at the 95th percentile level in various age groups. This is in accordance with risk assessments performed in European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), and will assure that the dietary intake in a majority of the population will be covered, still within a reasonable secure use of dietary exposure calculations. Mean intake of vitamins and minerals from food supplements (among users only) was chosen, in an attempt to reduce the impact of those with a high intake of supplements. The intake at 95th percentile from the diet plus the mean nutrient intake from supplements is deducted from the tolerable upper intake level (UL) for each nutrient in each age group, giving the maximum amount of nutrients that can be “allocated” for food fortification. The maximum amount of a nutrient that can be “allocated” is then distributed over the energy intake at the 95th percentile level. In this manner an estimate is made showing which age group is most likely to have an excessive intake of a certain nutrient. VKM does not have access to any other information about available fortified foods on the Norwegian market than the information given by the Norwegian Food Safety Authority. However, based on this information, VKM considers that it seems reasonable that the energy intake from fortified foods is reduced to 15 E%. In this revised fortification model the assumption from 2006 that 25 E% of the total energy intake will be derived from fortified foods, have therefore been reduced to 15 E%. This adjustment implies that the addition of e.g. vitamin D, vitamin E, thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, folic acid, vitamin B12, vitamin C and calcium per 100 kcal can be increased without risk of exceeding UL. No changes are made for e.g. vitamin A, beta-carotene, magnesium, iron, zinc or copper. A more summary is presented in Table 1 and Appendix 1. The Panel on nutrition, dietetic products, novel food and allergy considers that this model for management of fortification will reduce health risk that could be caused by unauthorised food fortification.

The Norwegian Scientific Committee for Food Safety (VKM) has appointed an ad hoc-group of experts to answer a request from the Norwegian Food Safety Authority regarding benefit and risk assessment of B. lactis Bb12 in baby foods focusing on the age groups 4-6 months, 612 months and 1-3 years. This assessment is based on the literature provided by the notifier as well as that found by a MEDLINE search. An notification for use of processed cereal-based baby foods (from now on called cereals) intended for infants and small children supplemented with the microorganism Bifidobacterium lactis (B. lactis) Bb12 in Norway initiated this work. Studies of potential hazards and positive health effects from cereals containing B. lactis Bb12 intended for infants and young children have not been reported in the available literature. However, reports on safety of and positive health effects from infant and follow on formula supplemented with B. lactis Bb12 are available and have been assessed by VKM. In most of these clinical studies B. lactis Bb12 was administered in combination with other probiotic strains. Clinical studies report no serious adverse events of infant formula supplemented with B. lactis Bb12. The effect of long term daily consumption of such supplemented formula by the actual age groups is not known. A few studies have demonstrated some effect of supplementing baby food with probiotics, including B. lactis Bb12, on diarrhoea and atopic eczema while other studies do not show such effects. Thus, the scientific evidence for a favourable effect of supplementing formula or solid food with B. lactis Bb12, is weak and in some cases lacking. There are no studies demonstrating a positive effect of cereals supplemented with B. lactis Bb12 intended for infants and small children. Several health claims related to probiotics have been assessed by EFSA, including claims on reduction of gastro-intestinal discomfort, normal functioning of the alimentary tract, building of the natural intestinal barrier, improvement of the general immunity, mental and cognitive developments of children and immune system of children during growth. In the opinions so far, EFSA has concluded that a cause and effect relationship has not been established between the consumption of the probiotic containing products and the claimed effect. None of the products assessed so far contained B. lactis Bb12 (1 November 2009). Commercially produced cereals are frequent given to infants and small children in Norway from an early age and this is particularly important for the establishment of the intestinal bacterial flora and the development of the intestinal mucosal immune system. According to the notifier, one portion (25gram) of the cereal powder contains 1 x 109 B. lactis Bb12 in monoculture. Taking into consideration that the daily intake is often greater than one portion of cereals, even in infants below 6 months of age, this would represent a daily intake of 1-2 x 109 cfu B. lactis Bb12 for an infant 4-6 months and even more in infants above 6 months. If a considerable amount of the B. lactis Bb12 survives the transport to the small intestine, it would represent a dominating and monocultural supply, often several times a day, to the small intestine. The immaturity and vulnerability of the intestinal microbiota and the immune system makes the two lowest age groups, 4 – 6 and 6 – 12 months, at the highest risk of unwanted health effects due to the daily intake of probiotics.

Objectives: The aims of this study were to determine vitamin D status (serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D-3 [s-25(OH)D-3]) and examine possible associations between vitamin D status and vitamin D-rich dietary sources, sun exposure, and body mass index in preschool children ages 4 to 6 y. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study based on baseline data (collected in January-February 2015) from the two-armed randomized controlled trial Fish Intervention Studies-KIDS (FINS-KIDS) conducted in Bergen, Norway. S-25(OH)D-3 concentration was determined by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Information regarding habitual dietary intake, recent sun vacations, and body mass index were assessed with questionnaires answered by the children's caregivers. Results: The children (n = 212) had a mean (standard deviation) s-25(OH)D-3 of 60.7 (13.8) nmol/L; 18.9% had s-25(OH)D-3 <= 50 nmol/L. In logistic regression models, non-overweight versus overweight status was inversely associated with s-25(OH)D-3 <= 50 nmol/L (odds ratio: 0.41; 95% confidence interval, 0.18-0.95; P = 0.037). Non-sun versus sun vacations were associated with s-25(OH)D-3 <= 75 nmol/L (odds ratio: 5.33; 95% confidence interval, 1.93-14.77; P = 0.001). Conclusions: The majority of the preschool children (81%) had s-25(OH)D-3 >50 nmol/L. Children with overweight status had an increased risk of s-25(OH)D-3 <= 50 nmol/L, and children who had not been on sun vacations were at a greater risk of s-25(OH)D-3 <= 75 nmol/L. (C) 2019 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Fillets from marine fish species contain n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) in the form of phospholipids (PLs). To investigate the importance of PL-bound n-3 PUFAs in mediating the anti-obesogenic effect of lean seafood, we compared the anti-obesogenic properties of fillets from cod with fillets from pangasius, a fresh water fish with a very low content of PL-bound n-3 PUFAs. We prepared high-fat/high-protein diets using chicken, cod and pangasius as the protein sources, and fed male C57BL/6J mice these diets for 12 weeks. Mice fed the diet containing cod gained less adipose tissue mass and had smaller white adipocytes than mice fed the chicken-containing diet, whereas mice fed the pangasius-containing diet were in between mice fed the chicken-containing diet and mice fed the cod-containing diet. Of note, mice fed the pangasius-containing diet exhibited reduced glucose tolerance compared to mice fed the cod-containing diet. Although the sum of marine n-3 PUFAs comprised less than 2% of the total fatty acids in the cod-containing diet, this was sufficient to significantly increase the levels of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acids (DHA) in mouse tissues and enhance production of n-3 PUFA-derived lipid mediators as compared with mice fed pangasius or chicken.