Experts from the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has found that carbohydrates should represent between 45 and 60% of total energy intake, according to a report of the EFSA published August 5. The report on the recommendations of dietary carbohydrates, including sugar, fiber and fat.
The EFSA expert belonging to the group “Dietetics, nutrition and allergies, have prepared this report in response to a request from the European Commission. The report should serve to advise the politicians of the European Union.
Experts from the European Food Safety Authority has not made any recommendations on sugar, because they feel they do not have enough good data on this subject. They recommend 25 grams of fiber per day for an adult with normal bowel function.
EFSA also believes that the roles of glycemic index and glycemic load in weight maintenance is not clear. The experts state that this body fat should be between 20 and 35% of total energy intake, although these figures are different for children. They also believe that trans and saturated fats should be avoided as much as possible.
EFSA held a meeting with nutritionists member countries on 7 and 8 September. In parallel to this meeting, the European Food Safety Authority launches public consultation on carbohydrates, fiber, and fats, available on the website of EFSA.
The EFSA report on carbohydrates is part of the work of experts of the European Food Safety Authority on the macro nutrients. The second part of their work on micro nutrients, vitamins and minerals, should be made in 2010.
The latest report on nutrition and energy for members of the European Union was presented by the Scientific Committee on Food in 1993.