Session at IUNS-ICN2025 – Vitamins & Minerals

Session title: Vitamins & Minerals: Understanding Global Deficiencies and Advancing Research Minerals
Time and location: TUE 26 AUG | 08:00 - 09:30 | Room 251
Session chair : Elisabeth Johnson PhD, The Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy, Tufts University & Prof. Connie Weaver, San Diego State University

Objective

This session aims to advance understanding of nutrient bioavailability assessment through the development and application of predictive algorithms and frameworks. The first presentation will introduce an innovative algorithm designed to assess calcium bioavailability from various foods, discussing the methodology behind its creation and sharing insights gained from its implementation. The second talk will present a collaborative framework developed by an ILSI working group of over 20 international scientists, outlining a systematic approach for constructing nutrient bioavailability prediction equations. Key topics will include methodologies, data extraction, and potential applications. The final presentation will provide expert perspectives on the latest research and ongoing debates surrounding Vitamin K2, clarifying misconceptions and suggesting directions for future studies. Together, these talks aim to promote accurate nutrient bioavailability assessment methods that can support better-informed dietary recommendations.

Background

Understanding nutrient bioavailability—the degree to which nutrients are absorbed and utilized by the body—is essential for accurate dietary guidance and nutrition science. Although nutrient intake is often prioritized in dietary assessments, bioavailability varies widely based on numerous factors, requiring more
sophisticated tools to assess true nutrient uptake from foods. Calcium, a critical mineral for bone health, can have variable absorption based on food sources,
spurring the development of the first algorithm specifically designed to estimate calcium bioavailability. Meanwhile, ILSI’s international working group has recognized the broader need for systematic nutrient prediction equations, creating a framework to develop these equations through comprehensive review,
standardization, and data methodologies. Additionally, Vitamin K2, despite its importance for cardiovascular and bone health, remains under-researched, with
misconceptions in the field. An expert review will shed light on current knowledge and provide guidance for future studies. Together, these presentations underscore the importance of refined bioavailability assessment tools to enhance nutritional science and public health outcomes.

Line up

• Calcium: an algorithm to assess calcium bioavailability from foods (Connie Weaver, San Diego State University)
• Framework for Developing Nutrient Prediction Equations (Tasija Karosas, ILSI U.S. and Canada)
• Vitamin K2: Expert Perspective on Recent and Future Research (Lena Leder, Balchem & Delphine Saulnier, Novonesis)