ID 278 - Selen

PL: Selen
EN: Selen
Pdf: selenium

Oświadczenie (4)

Oświadczenie (2)

1. Charakterystyka żywności / składnika

The food constituent that is the subject of the health claims is selenium, which is a well recognised nutrient and is measurable in foods by established methods.
Selenium occurs naturally in foods and is authorised for addition to foods and for use in food supplements (Annex I of the Regulation (EC) No 1925/20064 and Annex I of Directive 2002/46/EC5). This evaluation applies to selenium naturally present in foods and to 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, selenium, which is the subject of the health claims is sufficiently characterised.

2.2. Funkcjonowanie układu odpornościowego (ID 278)

The claimed effects are “immune system” and “normal immune function”. The Panel assumes that the target population is the general population.
The Panel considers that normal function of the immune system is beneficial to human health.

3. Naukowe uzasadnienia wpływu na zdrowie człowieka - 

Selenium is an essential trace element. Twenty-five selenoprotein genes have been identified in the human genome (Kryukov et al., 2003). Selenoproteins have a number of functions, comprising various catalytic roles (glutathione peroxidases, thioredoxin reductases, and iodothyronine
deiodinases), structural roles, detoxifying functions (e.g. selenoprotein P) and storage and transport activities. Selenium is present in foods mainly as selenomethionine and selenocysteine. It is absorbed efficiently by the intestine over a wide range of concentrations and across a variety of different molecular forms (Bates, 2005).

3.2. Funkcjonowanie układu odpornościowego (ID 278)

Selenium appears to play a role in cell-mediated immunity. Human supplementation with selenium was able to stimulate the proliferation of activated T cells of the immune system. It elicited an enhanced response to antigen stimulation, an enhanced ability to generate cytotoxic lymphocytes, an enhanced ability to destroy tumour cells, and increased natural killer cell activity. Growth-regulatory interleukin-2 receptors on the surface of activated lymphocytes and natural killer cells became upregulated (Bates, 2005).
The Panel concludes that a cause and effect relationship has been established between the dietary intake of selenium and normal function of the immune system. However, the evidence provided does not establish that inadequate intake of selenium leading to impaired function of the immune system occurs in the general EU population.

4.2. Funkcjonowanie układu odpornościowego (ID 278)

The Panel considers that the following wording reflects the scientific evidence: “selenium contributes to the normal function of the immune system”.

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 selenium 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) have been established as 300 µg/day for adults and for pregnant and lactating woman. For children and adolescents UL were established as 60 µg/day for 1-3 years, 90 µg/day for 4-6 years, 130 µg/day for 7-10 years, 200 µg/day for 11-14 years and 250 µg/day for 15-17 years (SCF, 2000).

Warunki i możliwe ograniczenia stosowania oświadczenia

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