toxicokinetics
The study of the processes by which potentially toxic substances are handled in the body. This involves an understanding of the absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion of such substances
Toxicokinetics describes what happens to a substance in the body after it is consumed. In food safety, it refers to how a chemical or contaminant is absorbed, distributed in the body, broken down (metabolised), and finally eliminated. In simple terms, it explains how much of a substance actually reaches different organs and how long it stays there.
EFSA uses toxicokinetic information to understand internal exposure and to interpret toxicity studies more accurately. It helps EFSA compare animal data with human exposure, identify sensitive groups, and decide whether effects seen in studies are relevant to people. Toxicokinetics also supports the setting of health-based guidance values, such as tolerable daily intakes, by ensuring that safety limits reflect how substances behave in the human body.