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FDA wants to boost food claims on osteoporosis
2007-01-06
Foods, beverages and dietary supplements containing both calcium and vitamin D may soon carry labels saying they help reduce the risk of osteoporosis, according to a U.S. government proposal made on Friday. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration's proposal came in response to a petition from Coca-Cola Co., which makes Minute Maid orange juice products fortified with calcium and vitamin D. "Osteoporosis is a significant public health problem, especially for women," Dr. Kathleen Uhl, assistant commissioner of FDA's Office of Women's Health, said. "This new labeling should assist consumers to select foods ... that provide adequate calcium and vitamin D intake and hopefully prevent the occurrence of osteoporosis in themselves and their family members," she said. Osteoporosis is a decrease in bone density that makes bones brittle and more prone to fracture. The proposal would amend a 1993 regulation by allowing foodmakers to claim a reduced risk of osteoporosis with the consumption of both calcium and vitamin D. It would also let companies drop a requirement that their labels state there are limits to the benefits of taking more than 200 percent of the recommended daily intake. Studies show that vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium. The FDA recommends adults consume 1.0 gram of calcium and 400 international units of vitamin D each day for a healthy diet. Orange juice maker Tropicana, a unit of PepsiCo Inc., said it welcomed the FDA proposal to make it easier for Americans to get more calcium and vitamin D. Several Tropicana orange juice products contain extra calcium and vitamin D to match what consumers get in a glass of milk.
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