ID 237 - Wapń

PL: Wapń
EN: Calcium
Pdf: calcium

Oświadczenie (4)

Oświadczenie (2)

1. Charakterystyka żywności / składnika

The food constituent that is the subject of the health claims is calcium, which is a well recognised nutrient and is measurable in foods by established methods. Calcium occurs naturally in foods in many forms which are generally well utilised by the body. Different forms of calcium are authorised for addition to foods and for use in food supplements (Annex II of the Regulation (EC) No 1925/20066 and Annex II of Directive 2002/46/EC7). This evaluation applies to calcium 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, calcium, which is the subject of the health claims, is sufficiently characterised.

2.10. Regulacja prawidłowych podziałów komórkowych i różnicowania komórek (ID 237)

The claimed effect is “colorectal cell protection”. The Panel assumes that the target population is the general population.
From the proposed wordings the Panel notes that the claimed effect refers to the regulation of division and differentiation of colorectal cells. However, the Panel considers that the functional role of calcium in the regulation of normal cell division and differentiation is not limited to colorectal cells.
The Panel considers that regulation of normal cell division and differentiation is a beneficial physiological effect.

3. Naukowe uzasadnienia wpływu na zdrowie człowieka - 

More than 99 % of the total calcium in the body is located in bones and teeth and contributes to their mass, structure and strength. Besides this structural role, calcium acts as an intracellular messenger and as a cofactor for extracellular enzymes and proteins. Overt, symptomatic calcium deficiencies are almost nonexistent given the large skeletal reserves, although inadequate calcium intakes have been associated with a higher risk of bone fractures (IoM, 1997, Weaver and Heaney, 2006).

3.8. Regulacja prawidłowych podziałów komórkowych i różnicowania komórek (ID 237)

The evidence available from consensus opinions/reports from authoritative bodies and reviews shows that there is consensus on the role of calcium in the normal regulation of cell division and differentiation (SCF, 1993; IoM, 1997; Weaver and Heaney, 2006).
Calcium is a cofactor for extracellular enzymes and proteins and also functions as intracellular messenger. Calcium messenger systems include trigger proteins in excitable cells and sustained responses in both excitable and non-excitable cells (Weaver and Heaney, 2006). Calcium activates phospholipases and mitogen-activated protein kinase, inhibits adenylate cyclase (among other enzymes) and has an important regulatory role in diverse cellular processes, including cell proliferation and differentiation (SCF, 1993; IoM, 1997; Weaver and Heaney, 2006).
Some of the references provided relate to intervention trials which investigated the effects of calcium on colon cancer risk. The Panel considers that no conclusions can be drawn from these studies for the scientific substantiation of an effect of calcium on the regulation of cell division and differentiation.
The Panel concludes that a cause and effect relationship has been established between calcium and the regulation of normal cell division and differentiation.

4.1. Regulacja prawidłowych podziałów komórkowych i różnicowania komórek (ID 237)

The Panel considers that the following wording reflects the scientific evidence: “Calcium contributes to normal cell division and differentiation”.

5.1. Regulacja prawidłowych podziałów komórkowych i różnicowania komórek (ID 237)

The Panel considers that in order to bear the claim a food should be at least a source of calcium 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. No Tolerable Upper Intake Levels (UL) have been established for calcium in children and adolescents; the UL for calcium in adults is 2500 mg/day (SCF, 2003).

Warunki i możliwe ograniczenia stosowania oświadczenia

Must at least be a source of mineral/s as per annex to regulation 1924/2006 Agency guidance for supplements is that products containing >1500mg Calcium should carry the label statement '[This amount of Calcium] may cause mild stomach upset in sensitive individuals