Day 016 - 22 Jul 94 - Page 74
1 Q. Is the general thought that over consumption of certain
nutrients is actually more of a problem than deficiencies
2 in certain nutrients?
A. On the whole, if we are talking about the ----
3
Q. In western society?
4 A. -- so-called western industrialised countries, then
there is probably a greater incidence of over consumption
5 than of under consumption and people suffering from
deficiencies.
6
Q. The figures that you gave the other day relating to fat,
7 saturated fat and sodium intake, they were the upper
limits, were they not? They are not the amounts it is
8 necessary to eat each day?
A. Now are you referring to the grey book?
9
Q. I just remember it being brought up. I cannot remember
10 where it was.
11 MR. JUSTICE BELL: Refer to specific figures you are saying
that he gave, because we had various definitions.
12
MS. STEEL: Yes. I have a bit of a problem because it is a
13 note that I made to ask the question. I cannot find the
specific ones I was referring to.
14
MR. JUSTICE BELL: I am sure we can track it down when we refer
15 back to just what it was.
16 MR. MORRIS: I think we should get the grey book out, Dietary
Reference Values?
17 A. I have one here.
18 Q. We want to go through these figures that have been given
for health limits or recommendations. If we can go to
19 page English 2?
A. Yes, I have it.
20
Q. Point 1.3.5. says, does it not: "Because, apart from
21 essential fatty acids, there is no absolute requirement
for fats, sugars or starches, it is not possible to derive
22 useful reference figures for them based on a range of
requirements. Rather, the Panel has made pragmatic
23 judgments" -- I underline the word "pragmatic" --"based on
the changes", underlined, "from current intakes which
24 would be expected to result in certain changes in
physiological and or health outcomes. These judgments have
25 been made bearing in mind the likely changes which might
occur in the prevailing socio-cultural environment in the
26 UK, and should not be taken to represent 'ideal'
figures". Is that saying that there is no absolute
27 requirement for fat, sugars or starches?
A. Except for essential fatty acids, yes, but of course
28 there is a requirement for energy and much of the energy
would come from those.
29
Q. But in terms of health, the figures they are setting are
30 not the ideal figures?
A. You tell me the ideal ones then.
