Review: Bioavailability of trace elements in farm animals: definition and practical considerations for improved assessment of efficacy and safety
D. Brugger,
B. Wagner,
W.M. Windisch,
H. Schenkel,
K. Schulz,
K.-H. Südekum,
A. Berk,
R. Pieper,
J. Kowalczyk,
M. Spolders
Affiliations
D. Brugger
Institute of Animal Nutrition and Dietetics, Vetsuisse-Faculty, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 270, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
B. Wagner
BfR-Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, Max-Dohrn-Strasse 8-10, 10589 Berlin, Germany
W.M. Windisch
Chair of Animal Nutrition, TUM School of Life Sciences Weihenstephan, Technical University of Munich, Liesel-Beckmann-Strasse 2, 85354 Freising, Germany
H. Schenkel
Institute of Animal Science, University of Hohenheim, Emil-Wolff-Strasse 12, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany
K. Schulz
BfR-Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, Max-Dohrn-Strasse 8-10, 10589 Berlin, Germany
K.-H. Südekum
Institute of Animal Science, University of Bonn, Endenicher Allee 15, 53115 Bonn, Germany
A. Berk
Institute of Animal Nutrition, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institute, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Bundesallee 37, 38116 Braunschweig, Germany
R. Pieper
BfR-Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, Max-Dohrn-Strasse 8-10, 10589 Berlin, Germany
J. Kowalczyk
BfR-Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, Max-Dohrn-Strasse 8-10, 10589 Berlin, Germany
M. Spolders
BfR-Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, Max-Dohrn-Strasse 8-10, 10589 Berlin, Germany; Corresponding author.
Currently, the authorisation procedure of trace elements as feed additives in the European Union according to Regulation (EC) No. 1831/2003 does not consider the bioavailability of trace element sources. This manuscript provides framework conditions for in vivo experiments that aim to estimate differences in the relative bioavailability between supplements of essential trace elements. Framework conditions encompass necessary technical information on the test substance, the experimental design and diet composition as well as the suitability of status parameters that allow for relative comparisons of regression variables. This manuscript evolves recommendations for researchers to conduct solid and reliable experiments on the matter as well as decision makers to interpret the value of studies submitted with authorisation applications regarding a certain trace element supplement.
