NY Times: Extra Vitamins? A Great Idea, Except in Denmark

There are many debates over the need to take vitamin supplements, with most advisors stating that if you eat a healthy diet, there is no need for them. Denmark obviously agrees. The recent NY Times article highlights this point, as well as another reason why the choice for products is limited here, and why it’s so restrictive for non-Danish companies to import food — food that is fortified that is.

While I’m personally no fan of Marmite and have absolutely no desire to even try it — the point here is more about this weariness or attitude of skepticism. As a foreigner here, I can say this attitude permeates way beyond that of the amount of Vitamin B added to cereal. Also, it seems like a mixed message — it’s OK for Denmark to export pork, including bacon and spare ribs, and other animal products that are far more dangerous to a person’s health, yet will not allow a cereal that’s been fortified with vitamins because they believe it’s toxic?

My question is how can products that have been approved by the American Food and Drug Administration, or a similar governmental body in Britain — things like cereal, for example, be considered safe enough for a country with over 300 million people but too dangerous for a country of five? I would also just add that instead of looking at the minerals and vitamins added, perhaps another measure should be sugar, fat and salt levels — of all products both in Denmark and imported. That would be a far better use of resources and way to look out for the consumer.

Read the full article here:

June 16, 2011

New York Times