ID 107 - Witamina B12

PL: Witamina B12
EN: Vitamin B12
Pdf: various food(s)/food constituent(s) that are referring to children’s development

Oświadczenie (4)

Oświadczenie (2)

1. Charakterystyka żywności / składnika

The food constituent that is the subject of the health claims is vitamin B12, which is a specific group of cobalt-containing corrinoids with biological activity in humans. Recommended biochemical nomenclature restricts the term vitamin B12 for the particular form of cobalamin known as cyanocobalamin and all cobalamins exhibiting qualitatively the biological activity of cyanocobalamin. Cobalamins do not occur in plants but are synthesised by certain bacteria, fungi and algae, which constitute the ultimate source of all cobalamin found in nature (Green, 2005). Vitamin B12 is a well recognised nutrient and is measurable in foods by established methods.
Vitamin B12 occurs naturally in foods and it is authorised for addition to foods and for use in food supplements (Annex I of the Regulation (EC) No 1925/20064 and Annex I of Directive 2002/46/EC5). This evaluation applies to vitamin B12 naturally present in foods and those forms authorised for addition to foods (Annex II of the Regulation (EC) No 1925/2006 and Annex II of Directive 2002/46/EC). The Panel considers that the food constituent, vitamin B12, which is the subject of the health claims is sufficiently characterised.

2.4. Funkcjonowanie układu odpornościowego (ID 107)

The claimed effect is “the role of vitamins and minerals in immunity“. The Panel assumes that the target population is the general population. The Panel considers that the normal function of the immune system is beneficial to human health.

3. Naukowe uzasadnienia wpływu na zdrowie człowieka - 

The two forms of vitamin B12 that function as coenzymes for metabolic reactions are methylcobalamin and deoxyadenosylcobalamin.

3.4. Funkcjonowanie układu odpornościowego (ID 107)

Vitamin B12 interferes with immune function through its involvement in nucleic acid and protein biosynthesis in concert with vitamin B6 and folate. In human studies with vitamin B12-deficient patients an abnormally high CD4+/CD8+ ratio and suppressed NK cell activity were reported, which could be restored by administration of vitamin B12. Another finding was an impaired antibody response to pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine, suggesting that the decreased availability of vitamin B12 to rapidly proliferating B lymphocytes may impair clonal expansion and synthesis of specific immunoglobulins (Wintergerst et al., 2007). The Panel concludes that a cause and effect relationship has been established between the dietary intake of vitamin B12 and normal function of the immune system.

4.4. Funkcjonowanie układu odpornościowego (ID 107)

The Panel considers that the following wording reflects the scientific evidence: “vitamin B12 contributes to a normal function of the immune system”.

5. Warunki i możliwe ograniczenia stosowania oświadczenia

The Panel considers that in order to bear the claims a food should be at least a source of vitamin B12 as per Annex to Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006. Such amounts can be easily consumed as part of a balanced diet. The target population is the general population. Tolerable Upper Intake Levels (UL) have not been established for vitamin B12 in children, adolescents and adults.

Warunki i możliwe ograniczenia stosowania oświadczenia

Must meet minimum requirements for use of the claim "source of [name of vitamin/s] and/or [name of mineral/s]" as per Annex to Regulation 1924/2006.