ID 3427 - Luteina

PL: Luteina
EN: Lutein
Pdf: lutein

Oświadczenie (2)

1. Charakterystyka żywności / składnika

The food constituent that is the subject of the health claims is lutein.
Lutein is a carotenoid naturally present in foods and especially in green leafy vegetables such as spinach and kale. Lutein can be measured in foods by established methods. Lutein preparations from natural sources (e.g. plant petals) often contain minor amounts of zeaxanthin.
The Panel considers that the food constituent, lutein, which is the subject of the health claims, is sufficiently characterised.

2.1. Ochrona DNA, białek i lipidów przed uszkodzeniem oksydacyjnym (ID 3427)

The claimed effect is “natural antioxidant”. The Panel assumes that the target population is the general population.
In the context of the proposed wordings, the Panel assumes that the claimed effect refers to the protection of body cells and molecules from oxidative damage caused by free radicals.
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 and 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 such as antioxidant nutrients.
The Panel considers that protection of DNA, proteins and lipids from oxidative damage may be a beneficial physiological effect.

3.1. Ochrona DNA, białek i lipidów przed uszkodzeniem oksydacyjnym (ID 3427)

None of the three references provided for the scientific substantiation of this claim addressed the effects of lutein consumption on markers of oxidative damage in humans. The Panel considers that no conclusions can be drawn from these references for the scientific substantiation of the claimed effect.
The Panel concludes that a cause and effect relationship has not been established between the consumption of lutein and protection of DNA, proteins and lipids from oxidative damage.

Warunki i możliwe ograniczenia stosowania oświadczenia

6 mg of luteinu per day