The model developed for determining such levels is similar to that designed by Denmark , the only other member state to have carried out such work in anticipation of harmonized European laws on nutrient levels.

It is based around data from population studies assessing current intakes of all of the vitamins and minerals from the typical diet. These are then subtracted from the upper safe levels for these nutrients established by European and other scientific committees.

The recommended levels have been published in German on the website of the Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR). The report will be translated into English in coming months.

Dr Rolf Großklaus, head of the BfR research group for dietary foods, nutrition and allergies, said the findings would be used by German food authorities.

"We also hope this will go towards discussion at the European community level," he told NutraIngredients.com.

"The difference between the scientific committee on food and the Food and Nutrition Board in the US is that we have undertaken a risk assessment of all vitamins and minerals available to the population," added Dr Großklaus.

"People often confuse the tolerable upper intake level for supplements with the maximum safe level. But this is not correct, we need to take into account all sources of nutrients in the diet."