ID 352 -
Magnez
PL: Magnez
EN: Magnesium
Pdf: magnesium
1. Charakterystyka żywności / składnika
The food constituent that is the subject of the health claims is magnesium, which is a well recognised nutrient and is measurable in foods by established methods.
Magnesium occurs naturally in foods and is authorised for addition to foods (Annex I of Regulation (EC) No 1925/20066 and Annex I of Directive 2002/46/EC7). This evaluation applies to magnesium naturally present in foods and to 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, magnesium, which is the subject of the health claims, is sufficiently characterised.
2.7. Utrzymanie prawidłowego funkcjonowania układu odpornościowego (ID 352)
The claimed effect is “immune system”. The Panel assumes that the target population is the general population.
In the context of the proposed wording, the Panel assumes that the claimed effect refers to the normal function of the immune system.
The Panel considers that maintenance of the normal function of the immune system is a beneficial physiological effect.
3. Naukowe uzasadnienia wpływu na zdrowie człowieka -
Magnesium is an essential nutrient and serves as a cofactor for over 300 enzymes involved in biological processes. Magnesium is part of the Mg-ATPase complex and is essential for oxidative phosphorylation; it has roles in energy metabolism, mineral homeostasis, calcium metabolism, and neuromuscular and endocrine function (IoM, 1997; SCF, 2001; Volpe, 2006).
In the human body, 50 to 60 % of magnesium is located in the bone. Part of it is readily exchangeable with serum and therefore bone represents a magnesium store. The remaining magnesium is mainly intracellular; extracellular magnesium represents only 1 % of the total magnesium content of the body.
Because magnesium is mostly within cells or in bone, assessment of magnesium status is difficult (Rude and Shils, 2006).
Manifestations of magnesium deficiency include signs related to bone and mineral metabolism, neuromuscular and psychological manifestations (e.g. positive Chvostek and Trousseau signs, spontaneous carpal-pedal spasm, seizures, vertigo, ataxia, nystagmus, athetoid and choreiform movements, muscular weakness, tremor, fasciculation, wasting, depression, psychosis, hallucinations, confusion), symptoms related to potassium homeostasis, and cardiovascular manifestations (Rude and Shils, 2006; FAO/WHO, 2001; O'Brien, 1999). Most of the early symptoms of magnesium depletion are neurological or neuromuscular; thus, a decline in magnesium status produces loss of appetite, nausea, muscular weakness, vomiting, fatigue, lethargy, staggering and, if the deficit is prolonged, weight loss (FAO/WHO, 2001; Volpe, 2006). Progressively increasing with the severity and duration of deficiency are signs such as hyperirritability, hyperexcitability, muscular spasms and tetany, leading ultimately to convulsions (FAO/WHO, 2001).
3.6. Utrzymanie prawidłowego funkcjonowania układu odpornościowego (ID 352)
Three references, including a website from a government body, were cited for the scientific substantiation of the claimed effect. Another reference was a narrative review reporting on several outcomes: effects of dietary magnesium on inflammation, apoptosis and innate immune cell populations in animal models, apoptosis in vitro, and the importance of magnesium homeostasis in relation to asthma or in athletes and elderly people. The Panel considers that no conclusions can be drawn from these two references for the scientific substantiation of the claimed effect.
The remaining reference was an animal study reporting on effects of supplementation with manganese and magnesium on the immune function of rats. The Panel considers that while effects shown in animal studies may be used as supportive evidence, human studies are required for the substantiation of a claim and the evidence provided in animal studies alone is not sufficient to predict the occurrence of an effect of the dietary intake of magnesium on the normal function of the immune system in humans.
The Panel concludes that a cause and effect relationship has not been established between the dietary intake of magnesium and maintenance of the normal function of the immune system.
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 magnesium 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 Level (UL) has been established for magnesium normally present in food and beverages. An UL for older children and adults has been established for readily dissociable magnesium salts and compounds like magnesium oxide in nutritional supplements, waters or added to food and beverages (SCF, 2001).
Warunki i możliwe ograniczenia stosowania oświadczenia
154 – 470 mg
