ID 206 - 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.

2.9. Metabolizm żelaza (ID 206)

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

3.9. Metabolizm żelaza (ID 206)

A direct correlation between haemoglobin and serum retinol concentrations has been observed. Various studies suggest that vitamin A deficiency impairs iron mobilisation from stores and vitamin A supplementation improves haemoglobin concentration (IoM, 2001).
The Panel concludes that a cause and effect relationship has been established between dietary intake of vitamin A and normal metabolism of iron. However, the evidence provided does not establish that inadequate intake of vitamin A leading to impaired metabolism of iron occurs in the general EU population.

4.5. Metabolizm żelaza (ID 206)

The Panel considers that the following wording reflects the scientific evidence: “Vitamin A contributes to normal iron metabolism.”

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 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. Agency guidance for supplements is that products containing >7mg of Beta-carotene should carry the label advisory statement "'[Beta-carotene]* should not be taken by heavy smokers."