TABLE 2.

Examples of innovative methodologies from non-nutrition fields of study that may be useful to establishing UL of intake¹

Mapping pathways: a tool that aids in the identification of biologic signaling pathways. The study of “systems biology” is a powerful approach to describing and understanding the fundamental mechanisms by which biologic systems operate.

Microarrays: a type of protein expression profiling useful when genetic response is an issue; would increase our understanding of both disease markers and molecular pathways.

Computational biology: a tool for modeling data and outcomes that is particularly useful for data mining and could lead to predictive computational models.

Physiologically based pharmacokinetic models: if developed, they may allow for better extrapolation between species as well as clarification of routes of exposure, both essential considerations for UL development.

High-throughput methods: allow for economical screening of large numbers of substances in a short period but have not been explored for nutrients.

¹Table created by authors based on discussions in (13). UL, tolerable upper level.