ID 285 -
Selen
PL: Selen
EN: Selen
Pdf: selenium
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.
2.6. Funkcje poznawcze (ID 285)
The claimed effect is “brain health”. The Panel assumes that the target population is the general population.
Brain health has not been sufficiently defined in the list and is interpreted by the Panel as cognitive function in order to allow a scientific evaluation.
The Panel considers that normal cognitive function 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).
3.6. Funkcje poznawcze (ID 285)
A total of 11 references were provided in the consolidated list to support this claim. These included five reviews, one opinion from a scientific body, two animal studies and three in vitro studies.
Selenium is particularly well maintained in the brain, even upon prolonged dietary selenium deficiency. The preferential retention of selenium was suggested to reflect important functions of selenium in the brain. Changes in selenium concentration in blood and brain have been reported in Alzheimer's disease and brain tumors. Several selenoproteins are expressed in the brain, but many questions remain about their roles in neuronal function. Genetic inactivation of selenoprotein P in mice leads to a marked reduction of brain selenium content, and to a movement disorder and
spontaneous seizures (Chen and Berry, 2003; Schweizer et al., 2004). A protective role of selenium against cerebral ischaemia-induced neuronal damage has been reported in two animal studies (Ansari et al., 2004; Yousuf et al., 2007). Two in vitro studies reported an involvement of selenium in the protection of neuronal cells from oxidative damage; another in vitro study examined the antimigratory role of selenium on microglial cells, possibly attenuating the secondary cell death cascade after stroke or excitotoxicity (Dalla Puppa et al., 2007).
Selenium deficiency has been well documented in humans. Impairment in neurological function is not among the established signs and symptoms of selenium deficiency described in humans (Burk and Levander, 2006). No evidence has been provided on the effects of selenium supplementation on cognitive or neurological function.
The Panel concludes that a cause and effect relationship has not been established between the dietary intake of selenium and cognitive function.
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
30 -50 µg selenium
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.
