Tender: Systematic Literature Review on Bioavailability of Food Supplements – Food Standards Agency (Jun 2026–Mar 2028)

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The Food Standards Agency is seeking a supplier to deliver a systematic literature review on the bioavailability of food supplements under contract from June 2026 to March 2028. The review should examine claims that novel formulations—including lipid-based systems such as liposomes, micelles, emulsions and nanoparticles, and non-lipid approaches such as particle size reduction (micronisation) and co-formulation with polysaccharides—enhance oral bioavailability compared with conventional forms. The specification highlights limited and uncertain supporting evidence, a wide variety of formulation types, and a lack of data characterising physicochemical properties, all of which increase uncertainty about impacts on bioavailability and toxicological risk, particularly for under‑characterised active ingredients and vulnerable populations. The Chemical Risk Assessment Unit has identified emerging risks and sought Committee on Toxicity advice; the COT recommended case-by-case toxicokinetic assessment using model systems that account for species differences, emphasised the importance of feeding state (fed vs fasted) when comparing formulations, and advised reviewing the suitability of acceptable daily intakes (ADIs) and other health-based guidance values (HBGVs) for formulations designed to increase bioavailability. This work supports FSA Corporate Priority EG1 on evidence-informed risk analysis and aligns with FSA research interests in novel approach methods to assess chemical hazards and consumer impact.