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B. J. PETERSEN, J. Kidwell, and J. Watters. Novigen Sciences, Inc., 1730 Rhode Island Ave., NW, Ste. 1100, Washington, DC 20036

Estimating the intake of food ingredients, nutraceuticals, and foods requires information about the population's consumption patterns and often "recipes" or formulations. Existing data sources in the U.S., Europe and other countries will be discussed. It is desirable to estimate dietary intakes for appropriate time periods, e.g. daily intake versus long term intake. The appropriate time periods depend upon the toxicological profile of the compound as well as the proposed use patterns for the ingredient. Assessments are done differently for different purposes, e.g. for research versus regulatory applications. Research applications typically consider "realistic" estimates while regulatory applications may focus on more "worst case" or "high" estimates. In all cases measures of precision, variability and sensitivity to assumptions are important. Case studies will be presented that highlight opportunities to use existing data, problems and limitations and appropriate algorithms for different applications.