ID 16 - Witamina A

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

Oświadczenie (4)

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.

2.4. Utrzymanie prawidłowego wzroku (ID 16)

The claimed effect is “vision”. The Panel assumes that the target population is the general population.
The Panel considers that maintenance of normal vision 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).

3.4. Utrzymanie prawidłowego wzroku (ID 16)

11-cis-retinaldehyde (retinal) is required by the eye for the transduction of light into neural signals necessary for vision. In the rods 11-cis-retinal is bound to opsin, thus forming the visual pigment, rhodopsin. The absorption of light catalyses the photoisomerisation of 11-cis-retinal to all-trans-retinal, which triggers the signalling to neuronal cells associated with the brains neuronal cortex. Without an adequate level of vitamin A in the retina the function of the rods in dim light situations becomes compromised, resulting in abnormal dark adaptation (night blindness) (IoM, 2001).
In a very different role, the cornea of the eye depends on vitamin A delivered in tear fluid to maintain cell differentiation and structural integrity. Vitamin A deficiency leads to a reduction in mucus production by the goblet cells of the conjunctival membranes and the cornea becomes dry (xerosis). Also Bitôt spots (cellular debris) may develop, usually at the outer quadrant of the eyes (Ross, 2006).
The Panel concludes that a cause and effect relationship has been established between the dietary intake of vitamin A and maintenance of normal vision. However, the evidence provided does not establish that intake of vitamin A inadequate for the maintenance of normal vision occurs in the general EU population.

4.4. Utrzymanie prawidłowego wzroku (ID 16)

The Panel considers that the following wording reflects the scientific evidence: “Vitamin A contributes to the maintenance of normal vision.”

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

Must at least be a source of vitamin/s as per annex to regulation 1924/2006