Parliamentary Search

Written question asked by Diana Johnson (Labour) on Thursday, 24 May 2018, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 4 June 2018 (named day). It was answered by Steve Brine (Conservative) on Monday, 4 June 2018 on behalf of the Department of Health and Social Care.

Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what factors the Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition takes into account when determining whether to revise its advice on any aspect of nutritional supplementation.

Answer

The Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition (SACN) undertakes a risk assessment to determine whether to revise its advice either because of a need identified through horizon scanning or at the request of government. The SACN undertakes all risk assessment in line with its framework for the evaluation of evidence. The SACN’s risk assessments take account of evidence on intake and need in relation to health outcomes considered to be of key public health concern.

The SACN undertakes nutritional risk assessment on a case by case basis in relation to need – this is usually either because of a need identified through horizon scanning or at the request of government. The SACN has no plans to develop specific additional advice on supplement use.

The SACN has made supplementation recommendations in relation to vitamin D and folic acid. Which are available at the following links:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/sacn-vitamin-d-and-health-report

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/folic-acid-updated-sacn-recommendations

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
147850
Session
2017-19
Related items
Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition
Wednesday, 4 July 2018
Written questions
House of Commons
Grouped for answer
Yes
Subjects
Dietary supplements Nutrition Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk