ASEAN General Principles for Establishing Maximum Levels of Vitamins and Minerals in Health Supplements

At-a-glance: This annex describes the methodology used in the establishment of the maximum levels of vitamins & minerals permitted in a daily dose of any health supplement.

Background: ASEAN is the first region in the world to successfully harmonise maximum levels for vitamins and minerals in health supplements. It is a notable achievement and one that was made possible, in large part, by developments in Europe. The European Union previously created an approach that lays the groundwork for establishing harmonized maximum levels across its Member States. This has yet to be implemented in the EU, but it nonetheless proved to be a useful reference point for ASEAN when drawing up maximum levels for its own members.