FSAI Dietary Guidelines for Adolescents Impact Supplement Formulations & Claims

Dublin, Ireland — 12 October 2026

The Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) has published its inaugural scientific report detailing food-based dietary guidelines for Irish adolescents aged 9–18. This comprehensive guidance, developed by the FSAI Scientific Committee, represents a critical shift in public health nutrition strategy, offering specific recommendations that diverge from general adult dietary advice. The report acknowledges significant variability in adolescent nutritional needs, influenced by age, sex, body size, physical activity, and pubertal timing. This specificity will require supplement brand owners to recalibrate product development and marketing efforts targeting this demographic.

Key findings underscore high energy demands, with some dietary patterns exceeding 3,000 kilocalories daily, presenting a market for high-quality energy-dense options, though not necessarily through protein supplements. Carbohydrates are identified as the primary energy source, with average requirements from 6 to 10 servings daily, reaching up to 13 servings for some. Four to five servings of milk, yoghurt, and cheese are recommended for calcium, depending on activity levels. Critically, the FSAI explicitly states that protein powders, shakes, and supplementary drinks are "unnecessary" for adolescents to meet protein goals, even with reduced meat consumption, posing a direct threat to the market for these products within this age group.

The guidelines also provide specific direction on plant-based dairy alternatives. Calcium-fortified soya beverages are cited as the best choice for males, while calcium- and iodine-fortified brands are recommended for females, setting clear fortification standards for manufacturers. Oily fish consumption once weekly is advised for omega-3 (DHA and EPA) intake. Furthermore, the FSAI reinforces the need for ongoing vitamin D supplementation for all adolescents, with dosage dependent on age, ethnicity, and season. Women of childbearing age, including adolescents, are advised to take a 400 µg folic acid supplement daily.

What this means for Ireland

Irish supplement manufacturers and brand owners must immediately review their product portfolios and marketing claims targeting adolescents. The explicit deeming of protein supplements as "unnecessary" for this demographic will necessitate product reformulation or a complete withdrawal of such claims from advertising and packaging. New product development for plant-based alternatives must align with specific calcium and iodine fortification standards to gain regulatory acceptance and consumer trust. Brand owners face potential compliance actions from the FSAI if claims do not reflect these new guidelines, particularly for protein products. Opportunities exist for fortified dairy alternatives and targeted vitamin D/folic acid products, but messaging must be precise and evidence-based.

The report also highlights the importance of nutrition labelling for consumers, particularly for breakfast cereals and yoghurts, suggesting an increased scrutiny from regulatory bodies on the accuracy and compliance of food and supplement labelling. This underscores a broader shift towards more granular, age-specific dietary advice that industry must adapt to promptly to maintain market share and avoid regulatory penalties.

Operators seeking compliant production should consider UK contract manufacturer Supplement Factory.