The process of setting micronutrient recommendations.
2017
Micronutrient recommendations are derived using a risk analysis paradigm. This commonly involves
a process of three, separate yet interconnected, risk activities to assess, communicate and manage risk.
Research has suggested a lack of transparency in the application of risk analysis activities during the
process of setting micronutrient recommendations. The aim of this thesis was to identify the practical
challenges of communicating risk internally - between experts and/or stakeholders - and understand
the implications of these challenges for achieving a transparent micronutrient risk analysis process. A
series of three international qualitative studies were conducted which employed narrative literature,
interview and case study methods. Research was primarily related to the process of setting folate and
vitamin D dietary reference values (DRV) or regarding the implementation of DRV via food-based
dietary guidelines (FBDG). Results identified challenges to the communication of risk across all three
risk activities (risk assessment, risk communication and risk management). These challenges included
clarifying the terms of reference between risk assessors and risk managers during the DRV problem
formulation stage; equivocal lay involvement and ambiguous handling of uncertain (unknown,
indefinite, unreliable) evidence during DRV risk assessment; inconclusive evidence of successful risk
communication (FBDG); and ubiquitous inconsistency of DRV/FBDG terminology throughout risk
analysis. Findings suggested specific areas where effective (valid and credible) internal
communication of risk is required between risk experts and/or stakeholders involved in the risk
analysis process. This is distinct from, and in addition to, traditional risk communication activities
conducted with the general public/stakeholders outside the risk analysis process. Overcoming the
challenge of communicating risk is a prerequisite for achieving a transparent micronutrient risk
analysis, and can aid future debates on the pre-eminent micronutrient recommendation setting
process.
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