ID 294 - Cynk

PL: Cynk
EN: Zink
Pdf: zinc

Oświadczenie (4)

Oświadczenie (2)

1. Charakterystyka żywności / składnika

The food constituent that is the subject of the claims is zinc, which is a well recognized nutrient and is measurable in foods by established methods. Zinc occurs naturally in foods and is authorised for addition to foods (Annex I of the Regulation (EC) No 1925/20064 and Annex I of Directive 2002/46/EC5). This evaluation applies to zinc naturally present in foods and those forms authorised for addition to foods (Annex II of the Regulation (EC) No 1925/2006 and Annex II of Directive 2002/46/EC).
The Panel considers that the food constituent, zinc, which is the subject of the health claims, is sufficiently characterised.

2.3. Ochrona DNA, białek i lipidów przed uszkodzeniem oksydacyjnym (ID 294, 1758)

The claimed effects are “protection of body tissues and cells from oxidative damage; antioxidant activity; antioxidative properties” and “protection of body tissues and cells from oxidative damage”. 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 DNA, proteins and lipids from oxidative damage is beneficial to human health.

3. Naukowe uzasadnienia wpływu na zdrowie człowieka - 

Zinc is present in all tissues. It has essential structural, regulatory or catalytic roles in many enzymes. It maintains the configuration of a number of non-enzymatic proteins such as pre-secretory granules of insulin, some mammalian gene transcription proteins and thymulin. It facilitates hormone and receptor binding at membrane and nuclear levels, and it may maintain integrity of biomembranes. Consequently zinc participates in gene expression and in the mechanisms and control of major metabolic pathways involving proteins, carbohydrates, nucleic acids and lipids (SCF, 1993; DoH, 1991). Human zinc deficiency symptoms include retarded growth, depressed immune function, skin lesions, skeletal abnormalities, impaired reproductive ability and behavioural abnormalities such as changes in mood, loss of affect and emotional lability, anorexia, dysfunction of smell and taste, irritability and depression (SCF, 2003; EVM, 2002, Cousins, 2006).

3.3. Ochrona DNA, białek i lipidów przed uszkodzeniem oksydacyjnym (ID 294, 1758)

Zinc participates in the antioxidant defence system of the body. It can bind to thiol groups in proteins, making them less susceptible to oxidation. By displacing redox-reactive metals such as iron and copper from both proteins and lipids it can reduce the metal-induced formation of hydroxyl radicals and thus protect the macromolecules. Zinc induces the expression of metallothionein and increases the activity of catalase both of which can scavenge reactive oxygen species (ROS). Increased oxidative stress results in the release of zinc from metallothionein, presumably making it more available for other proteins. Zinc is a cofactor of the antioxidant enzyme copper/zinc-superoxide dismutase (Freake, 2006).
The Panel concludes that a cause and effect relationship has been established between the dietary intake of zinc and the protection of DNA, proteins and lipids from oxidative damage. However, the evidence provided does not establish that inadequate intake of zinc leading to impaired protection of DNA, proteins and lipids from oxidative damage occurs in the general EU population.

4.3. Ochrona DNA, białek i lipidów przed uszkodzeniem oksydacyjnym (ID 294, 1758)

The Panel considers that the following wording reflects the scientific evidence: “Zinc contributes to the protection of cell constituents from oxidative damage”.

5. Warunki i możliwe ograniczenia stosowania oświadczenia

The Panel considers that in order to bear the claim a food should be at least a source of zinc as per Annex to Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006. The target population is the general population. Such amounts can be easily consumed as part of a balanced diet. Tolerable Upper Intake Levels (UL) have been established for zinc as 25 mg/day in adults and to pregnant and lactating woman. For children and adolescents UL was established as 7 mg/day for 1-3 years, 10 mg/day for 4-6 years, 13 mg/day for 7-10 years, 18 mg/day for 11-14 years and 22 mg/day for 15-17 years (SCF 2003).

Warunki i możliwe ograniczenia stosowania oświadczenia

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