ID 13 - Witamina A

PL: Witamina A
EN: Vitamin A
Pdf: vitamin A

Oświadczenie (2)

1. Charakterystyka żywności / składnika

The food constituent that is the subject of the health claims is vitamin A which is a well recognised nutrient. It is measurable in foods by established methods.
The term vitamin A describes a group of lipid soluble compounds related metabolically to all-trans-retinol. In the diet, vitamin A is found in products of animal origin, as retinyl esters, mainly retinyl palmitate. Other esters (oleate, stearate, myristate), and retinol contribute to the dietary vitamin A intake. Some carotenoids (α- and β-carotenes, β-cryptoxanthine) can be cleaved into retinol, via an enzymatic process in the small intestine. Retinoic acids are considered as the molecular species responsible for all the functions attributed to vitamin A, with the exception of vision, where only retinal is able to exert an action (SCF, 2002).
Different forms of vitamin A are authorised for addition to foods and for use in food supplements (Annex II of the Regulation (EC) No 1925/20064 and Annex II of Directive 2002/46/EC5). This evaluation applies to vitamin A naturally present in foods and 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, vitamin A, which is the subject of the health claims is sufficiently characterised.

2.5. Utrzymanie prawidłowego stanu kości (ID 13, 17)

The claimed effects are “bone/teeth/hair/skin and nail health” and “bone growth and development of teeth”. The Panel assumes that the target population is the general population.
The Panel considers that maintenance of normal bone is beneficial to human health.

2.6. Utrzymanie prawidłowego stanu zębów (ID 13, 17)

The claimed effects are “bone/teeth/hair/skin and nail health” and “bone growth and development of teeth”. The Panel assumes that the target population is the general population.
The Panel considers that maintenance of normal teeth is beneficial to human health.

3. Naukowe uzasadnienia wpływu na zdrowie człowieka

It is recognised that vitamin A is important for normal vision, gene expression, reproduction, embryonic development, growth and immune function (IoM, 2001). Vitamin A deficiency signs include impaired dark adaptation, abnormal electroretinograms, follicular hyperkeratosis and lowered blood haemoglobin (SCF, 1992).

3.5. Utrzymanie prawidłowego stanu kości (ID 13, 17)

A total of 32 references were cited to substantiate the claimed effect. Some 13 of these were textbooks or opinions from scientific bodies in which the claimed effect was not stated. A further 19 references were related to vitamins other than vitamin A or minerals. The Panel notes that the references cited provided no scientific data that could be used to substantiate the claimed effect.
The Panel concludes that a cause and effect relationship has not been established between the dietary intake of vitamin A and maintenance of normal bone.

3.6. Utrzymanie prawidłowego stanu zębów (ID 13, 17)

A total of 32 references were cited to substantiate the claimed effect. Some 13 were textbooks or opinions from scientific bodies in which the claimed effect was not stated. A further 19 references were related to vitamins other than vitamin A or minerals. The Panel notes that the references cited provided no scientific data that could be used to substantiate the claimed effect.
The Panel concludes that a cause and effect relationship has not been established between the dietary intake of vitamin A and maintenance of normal teeth.

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 A 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) for pre-formed vitamin A have been established for children and adults. The Tolerable Upper Intake Level for adults has been set at 3000 µg RE/day (SCF, 2002).

Warunki i możliwe ograniczenia stosowania oświadczenia

15% RDA of vitamin A is equivalent to 720 micrograms beta-carotene