ID 1293 - Selen

PL: Selen
EN: Selen
Pdf: selenium

Oświadczenie (4)

Oświadczenie (2)

1. Charakterystyka żywności / składnika

The food constituent that is the subject of the health claims is selenium, which is a well recognised nutrient and is measurable in foods by established methods.
Selenium occurs naturally in foods and 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 selenium naturally present in foods and to those forms authorised for addition to foods and for use in food supplements (Annex II of the Regulation (EC) No 1925/2006 and Annex II of Directive 2002/46/EC).
The Panel considers that the food constituent, selenium, which is the subject of the health claims is sufficiently characterised.

2.1. Ochrona DNA, białek i lipidów przed uszkodzeniem oksydacyjnym (ID 277, 283, 286, 1289, 1290, 1291, 1293, 1751)

The claimed effects are “protection of body tissues and cells from oxidative damage/stress”, “antioxidant activity” and “aging”. The Panel assumes that the target population is the general population.
Reactive oxygen species (ROS) including several kinds of radicals are generated in biochemical processes (e.g. respiratory chain) and as a consequence of exposure to exogenous factors (e.g. radiation, pollutants). These reactive intermediates damage biologically relevant molecules such as DNA, proteins and lipids if they are not intercepted by the antioxidant network which includes free radical scavengers like antioxidant nutrients.
No definition has been provided of what constitutes “aging”, and therefore the Panel cannot evaluate the “anti-aging effects” implied in claim ID 283. Also, the difference should be noted between the ageing process itself and the increasing risk for specific age-related diseases where oxidative and/or free radical-mediated damage may play a role.
The Panel considers that the protection of biologically relevant molecules such as DNA, proteins and lipids from oxidative damage is beneficial to human health.

2.3. Funkcjonowanie tarczycy (ID 279, 282, 286, 1289, 1290, 1291, 1293)

The claimed effects are “thyroid function”, “iodine utilisation”, “thyroid hormone production” and “normal thyroid hormone metabolism”. The Panel assumes that the target population is the general population.
The Panel considers that normal thyroid function is beneficial to human health.

3. Naukowe uzasadnienia wpływu na zdrowie człowieka - 

Selenium is an essential trace element. Twenty-five selenoprotein genes have been identified in the human genome (Kryukov et al., 2003). Selenoproteins have a number of functions, comprising various catalytic roles (glutathione peroxidases, thioredoxin reductases, and iodothyronine
deiodinases), structural roles, detoxifying functions (e.g. selenoprotein P) and storage and transport activities. Selenium is present in foods mainly as selenomethionine and selenocysteine. It is absorbed efficiently by the intestine over a wide range of concentrations and across a variety of different molecular forms (Bates, 2005).

3.1. Ochrona DNA, białek i lipidów przed uszkodzeniem oksydacyjnym (ID 277, 283, 286, 1289, 1290, 1291, 1293, 1751)

The role of selenium as an indirect component of the antioxidant network is well established. This defence system comprises low molecular weight antioxidants and antioxidant enzymes like glutathione peroxidases which catalyse the reduction of hydrogen peroxide or organic hydroperoxides using reduced glutathione as a co-substrate (Papp et al., 2007). These enzymes and other selenoenzymes, such as the thioredoxin reductases, which are also involved in antioxidant defence are selenium-dependent and can respond to selenium supplementation.
The Panel concludes that a cause and effect relationship has been established between the dietary intake of selenium and the protection of DNA, proteins and lipids from oxidative damage. However, the evidence provided does not establish that inadequate intake of selenium leading to impaired protection of DNA, proteins and lipids from oxidative damage occurs in the general EU population.

3.3. Funkcjonowanie tarczycy (ID 279, 282, 286, 1289, 1290, 1291, 1293)

Deiodination is a pathway of thyroid hormone metabolism implicated in activation and deactivation of thyroid hormones. The metabolism is catalysed by three iodothyronine deiodinases (D1-3) which are homologous selenoproteins. In humans the enzymes are found in various tissues; D1 and D2 but not D3 also occur in the thyroid gland (Kuiper et al., 2005). Thus, the known biological functions of selenium include regulation of thyroid hormone action. 2005).
The Panel concludes that a cause and effect relationship has been established between the dietary intake of selenium and normal thyroid function. However, the evidence provided does not establish that inadequate intake of selenium leading to impaired thyroid function occurs in the general EU population.

4.1. Ochrona DNA, białek i lipidów przed uszkodzeniem oksydacyjnym (ID 277, 283, 286, 1289, 1290, 1291, 1293, 1751)

The Panel considers that the following wording reflects the scientific evidence: “selenium contributes to the protection of cell constituents from oxidative damage”.

4.3. Funkcjonowanie tarczycy (ID 279, 282, 286, 1289, 1290, 1291, 1293)

The Panel considers that the following wording reflects the scientific evidence: “selenium contributes to normal thyroid function”.

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 selenium 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 been established as 300 µg/day for adults and for pregnant and lactating woman. For children and adolescents UL were established as 60 µg/day for 1-3 years, 90 µg/day for 4-6 years, 130 µg/day for 7-10 years, 200 µg/day for 11-14 years and 250 µg/day for 15-17 years (SCF, 2000).

Warunki i możliwe ograniczenia stosowania oświadczenia

The product must state that the source of selenium-enrichment is via the animal’s feed, and is by means of an approved source of organic selenium (e.g. selenomethionine and other organic selenium molecules from an approved selenium yeast).