It’s claimed new EU proposals on vitamins and food supplements would have a detrimental effect on the health of people in Clare.
Over 1,200 people in this county have signed a petition against plans to standardise the dosages in over-the-counter supplements such as Vitamin D, Magnesium and Zinc.
Plans to reduce and standardise dosage limits for vitamins, minerals and botanicals across the EU’s 27 member states are currently at public consultation stage.
If they go ahead, however, the changes are expected to affect products on shelves by 2028.
According to Health Stores Ireland, 96% of adults are below the daily recommended intake of Vitamin D, 52% are below the reference intake for Magnesium, 29% are below the required Vitamin C intake, while 34% of Irish teen girls are below the daily reference intake for Iron.
Manager and Owner of Ennis Health Store, Sinead McNamara, says the plans could put further strain on the healthcare system and may lead to business closures.
The Save Our Supplements petition, launched by HSI, has so far garnered more than 28,000 online signatures, while over 1,200 have signed the petition in person in Clare alone.
Nutritionists here are also warning the EU proposals will lead to reduced options for consumers and may create a black market of unregulated products.
Owner and Nutritional Therapist at The Health Connection in Ennis, Olivia Cahalane, says a one-size-fits-all approach across Europe is particularly flawed, given dietary and vitamin deficiencies in Ireland.
Listen to the full interview here
