(AGENPARL) – mer 12 giugno 2024 Screenshot (124).png
Machine-translated versions are also available in all EU languages on the EFSA website
Iron is an essential mineral needed by our bodies for oxygen transport, electron transfer, and energy metabolism. 
However, consuming excessive amounts of iron over long periods of time can lead to negative health effects, mainly in the liver. High-dose iron supplements may also cause adverse effects in the gastrointestinal tract.
The new scientific opinion follows a request from the European Commission to EFSA to review its previous opinion from 2004 based on newly available evidence.
Due to insufficient data, EFSA’s Panel could not establish a tolerable upper intake level for iron, a maximum intake level that can be consumed daily over a lifetime without adverse health effects.  
Instead, our scientists established safe levels, the maximum amount that they can confidently conclude poses no risk of adverse effects in the general population.
Safe Levels
Our experts set safe levels for total iron intake:
· 40 mg/day for adults, including pregnant and lactating women;
· 35 mg/day for adolescents aged 15-17; 
· 10 mg/day for children aged 1-3;
Safe supplemental iron intake level (excluding intakes from follow-on formula)
· 5 mg/day for infants, covering iron intakes from fortified food and food supplements, but not from infant or follow-on formula. A safe level of supplemental intake was derived for infants due to their particular and distinct iron requirements.
· The safe levels of intake proposed do not apply to individuals who receive iron under medical supervision as a treatment for iron deficiency anaemia.
Links for Science
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The EU has one of the safest food systems in the world. But food safety incidents can always happen. If they do, the EU is prepared to react quickly with immediate action. Identifying the source of foodborne disease outbreaks is crucial and national authorities act to ensure consumers are protected. 
For inquiries please contact:
EFSA Media Relations Office
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European Food Safety Authority, Via Carlo Magno 1/a, Parma, . 43126 Italy