FAQ's - Approved EFSA health claims
EFSA is a European agency funded by the European Union that operates independently of the European legislative and executive institutions (Commission, Council, Parliament) and EU Member States.
It was set up in 2002 following a series of food crises in the late 1990s to be a source of scientific advice and communication on risks associated with the food chain. The agency was legally established by the EU under the General Food Law – Regulation 178/2002.
Biotin:
Biotin, or vitamin H is part of the complex B vitamins. It is responsible for assisting the body metabolize fats and carbohydrates. It is linked to improving hair and maintaining the nervous system. It is uncommon to be deficient in biotin, however, people who overindulge in smoking, alcohol, eat highly processed foods are most likely to have a deficiency. Pregnant women and chohn's sufferers could also be deficient. Biotin deficiency symptoms can include dry eyes, cracking on the sides of the mouth, scaly skin, depression and hair loss. Click here and here for EFSA scientific opinions.
Chloride:
Chloride contributes to normal digestion by production of hydrochloric acid in the stomach. Click here for EFSA scientific opinion.
Chromium:
Chromium contributes to normal macronutrient metabolism and to the maintenance of normal blood glucose levels. Click here for EFSA scientific opinions.
Copper:
Copper contributes to the maintenance of normal connective tissues, normal hair pigmentation, normal skin pigmentation, protection of cells from oxidative stress, normal function of the immune system, normal functioning of the nervous system, normal energy-yielding metabolism and normal iron transport in the body. Click here and here for EFSA scientific opinions.
Glucomannan:
Glucomannan contributes to weight loss in the context of an energy-restricted diet. This beneficial effect is obtained with a daily intake of 3g of glucomannan in three doses of 1g each, together with 1-2 glasses of water, before meals. Glucomannan also contributes to the maintenance of normal blood cholesterol levels. This beneficial effect is obtained with a daily intake of 4g of glucomannan per day.
Iron:
Iron contributes to normal cognitive function, normal energy-yielding metabolism, normal formation of red blood cells and haemoglobin, normal oxygen transport in the body, normal function of the immune system, the reduction of tiredness and fatigue, the process of cell division and to the normal cognitive development of children. Click here, here, here, here and here for EFSA scientific opinions.
Magnesium:
Magnesium contributes to a reduction of tiredness and fatigue, electrolyte balance, normal energy-yielding metabolism, normal functioning of the nervous system, normal muscle function, normal protein synthesis, normal psychological function, the maintenance of normal bones and teeth, and it has a role in the process of cell division. Click here and here for EFSA scientific opinions.
Omega Oils:
EPA and DHA contribute to the normal function of the heart (with a daily intake of 250mg). Click here and here for EFSA scientific opinion.
DHA and EPA contribute to the maintenance of normal blood pressure (with a daily intake of 3g of EPA and DHA)*. Click here and here for EFSA scientific opinions.
DHA contributes to the maintenance of normal blood triglyceride levels (with a daily intake of 2g of DHA and when taken in combination with EPA)*. Click here for EFSA scientific opinion.
DHA contributes to maintenance of normal brain function (with a daily intake of 250mg of DHA). Click here and here for EFSA scientific opinion.
DHA contributes to maintenance of normal vision (with a daily intake of 250mg of DHA). Click here and here for EFSA scientific opinion.
Maternal intake of DHA contributes to the normal brain and eye development of the foetus and breastfed infants (a daily intake of at least 200mg).
ALA contributes to the maintenance of normal blood cholesterol levels (with a daily intake of 2g) - click here and here for EFSA scientific opinion.
LA contributes to the maintenance of normal blood cholesterol levels (with a daily intake of 10g) - click here and here for EFSA scientific opinion.
Replacing saturated fats in the diet with unsaturated fats contributes to the maintenance of normal blood cholesterol levels. OA is an unsaturated fat.
Phosphorus:
Phosphorus contributes to normal energy-yielding metabolism, normal function of cell membranes, the maintenance of normal bones and the maintenance of normal teeth. Click here for EFSA scientific opinion.
Potassium:
Potassium contributes to the normal functioning of the nervous system, normal muscle function and the maintenance of normal blood pressure. Click here for EFSA scientific opinion.
Sugar Beet:
Sugar beet fibre contributes to an increase in faecal bulk. Fibre is a key ingredient to a healthy, varied and balanced diet. Click here for EFSA scientific opinion.
Vitamin A:
Vitamin A contributes to normal iron metabolism, the maintenance of normal mucous membranes, the maintenance of normal skin, the maintenance of normal vision, the normal function of the immune system and has a role in the process of cell specialisation. Click here, here and here for EFSA scientific opinions.
Vitamin B2:
Vitamin B2 (riboflavin) contributes to normal energy-yielding metabolism, normal functioning of the nervous system, the maintenance of normal mucous membranes, the maintenance of normal red blood cells, the maintenance of normal skin, the maintenance of normal vision, the normal metabolism of iron, the protection of cells from oxidative stress and the reduction of tiredness and fatigue. Click here for EFSA scientific opinion.
Vitamin B3:
Vitamin B3 (niacin) contributes to normal psychological function, normal energy-yielding metabolism, normal functioning of the nervous system, the maintenance of normal mucous membranes, the maintenance of normal skin and the reduction of tiredness and fatigue. Click here and here for EFSA scientific opinions.
Vitamin B5:
Vitamin B6:
Vitamin B6 contributes to the normal function of the immune system, the regulation of hormonal activity, normal cysteine synthesis, normal energy-yielding metabolism, normal homocysteine metabolism, normal protein and glycogen metabolism and the reduction of tiredness and fatigue. Click here for EFSA scientific opinions.
Vitamin B9:
Vitamin B9 (folic acid) intake increases maternal folate status. Low maternal folate status is a risk factor in the development of neural tube defects in the developing foetus. The target population is women of child-bearing age and the beneficial effect is obtained with a supplemental folic acid daily intake of 400 μg for at least one month before and up to three months after conception. It contributes to normal psychological function, the normal function of the immune system, the reduction of tiredness and fatigue, normal homocysteine metabolism, normal amino acid synthesis, normal blood formation, the process of cell division and maternal tissue growth during pregnancy. Click here and here for EFSA scientific opinions.
Vitamin B12:
Vitamin B12 (cyanocobalamin) contributes to normal energy-yielding metabolism, normal functioning of the nervous system, normal homocysteine metabolism, normal psychological function, normal red blood cell formation, normal function of the immune system, the reduction of tiredness and fatigue and it has a role in the process of cell division. Click here and here for EFSA scientific opinions.
Vitamin C:
Vitamin C contributes to maintaining the normal function of the immune system. It also contributes to normal collagen formation for the normal function of blood vessels, bones, cartilage, gums, skin and teeth, normal energy-yielding metabolism, normal functioning of the nervous system, normal psychological function, protection of cells from oxidative stress, the reduction of tiredness and fatigue, the regeneration of the reduced form of vitamin E and increases iron absorption. Click here and here for EFSA scientific opinions.
Vitamin D:
Vitamin D contributes to the normal function of the immune system and healthy inflammatory response, normal absorption/utilisation of calcium and phosphorus, normal blood calcium levels, the maintenance of normal bones, the maintenance of normal muscle function, the maintenance of normal teeth, it has a role in the process of cell division and is needed for normal growth and development of bone in children. Click here, here, here, here and here for EFSA scientific opinions.
Vitamin E:
Vitamin E contributes to the protection of cells from oxidative stress. Click here for EFSA scientific opinion.
Zinc:
Zinc contributes to normal DNA synthesis, normal acid-base metabolism, normal carbohydrate metabolism, normal cognitive function, normal fertility and reproduction, normal macronutrient metabolism, normal metabolism of fatty acids, normal metabolism of vitamin A, normal protein synthesis, the maintenance of normal bones, the maintenance of normal hair, nails and skin, the maintenance of normal testosterone levels in the blood, the maintenance of normal vision, the normal function of the immune system, the protection of cells from oxidative stress and it has a role in the process of cell division. Click here for EFSA scientific opinions.