essential nutrient
Any substance which a living organism must consume from the diet in order to support normal health, development and growth
An essential nutrient is a substance that the body needs to function properly but cannot make in sufficient amounts on its own, so it must come from the diet. Examples include vitamins, minerals, certain amino acids, and some fatty acids. These nutrients are essential for growth, energy, immunity, and overall health. Without enough of them, people can develop deficiencies, which can lead to health problems.
In food safety and nutrition, EFSA uses the concept of essential nutrients to assess dietary intakes and set safe levels. EFSA evaluates how much of each nutrient people need, what levels are safe, and what amount is too high. This information helps the EU set dietary reference values, labelling rules, and fortification policies to make sure that foods provide enough nutrients for health without posing risks from excessive intake.