ID 209 - 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.

2.10. Ochrona DNA, białek i lipidów przed uszkodzeniem oksydacyjnym (ID 209)

The claimed effect is “oxidative stress. Acts as antioxidant and helps protect the body tissues against the potentially damaging effects of free radicals”. 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.
The Panel considers that the protection of biologically relevant molecules such as DNA, proteins and lipids from oxidative damage 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).

3.10. Ochrona DNA, białek i lipidów przed uszkodzeniem oksydacyjnym (ID 209)

One reference to a textbook on sports nutrition was cited to substantiate the claimed effect in which the claimed effect was not stated. The Panel notes that the reference 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 pre-formed vitamin A and protection of DNA, proteins and lipids from oxidative damage.

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

Claim to be only used for Foods for sports people under the Dir. 89/398/EEC For athletes who have inadequate food intakes in particular. Condition for use: 2000 IU (600 mcg RE) retinol daily. 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."