vitamin
Description:
Dietary substance needed in very small amounts to support normal growth and maintenance of health in humans and animals. Most vitamins are 'essential' as they are not made within the body
Context:
In food safety, a vitamin is a nutrient that the body needs in small amounts to stay healthy, grow, and function properly, but cannot make enough of on its own. Examples include vitamin A, vitamin D, and vitamin C.
EFSA evaluates vitamins to set safe intake levels (such as Dietary Reference Values and Tolerable Upper Intake Levels), assess the safety of vitamin-containing foods or supplements, and provide advice on health claims. This helps EU authorities ensure that people get enough vitamins without exceeding amounts that could be harmful.