Brussels, Belgium: The EU Scientific Committee on Food (SCF) has concluded that a "tolerable upper intake level" (UL) for vitamin B1 cannot be numerically defined. The Committee made its decision at a meeting in July, following consideration of data on the highest daily intakes of the vitamin which were unlikely to pose a risk to health.

The Committee based its decision on the lack of any reports of adverse effects after the taking of B1 supplements and the paucity of adverse effects reported after intravenous injections of the drugs at 100-300 mg level. As a result, no LOAEL (Lowest Observed Adverse Effect Level) and no NOAEL (No Observed Adverse Effect Level) could be established, said the Committee and concluded that average daily intakes of the vitamin pose no threat to health.

Penny Viner, Director of the UK Health Food Manufacturers Association, said the decision was a sensible one. "We should welcome evaluation on the basis of safety rather than any other criterion," she told Functional Foods & Nutraceuticals. "The Committee clearly recognized that B1 has a high safety profile.