ID 355 - Wapń

PL: Wapń
EN: Calcium
Pdf: calcium

Oświadczenie (4)

Oświadczenie (2)

1. Charakterystyka żywności / składnika

The food constituent that is the subject of the health claim is calcium, which is a well recognised nutrient and is measurable in foods by established methods. Calcium occurs naturally in foods in many forms which are generally well utilised by the body. Different forms of calcium are authorised for addition to foods and for use in food supplements (Annex II of the Regulation (EC) No 1925/20064 and Annex II of Directive 2002/46/EC5). This evaluation applies to calcium naturally present in foods and 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, calcium, which is the subject of the health claims, is sufficiently characterised.

2.5. Funkcjonowanie enzymów trawiennych (ID 355)

The claimed effect is “support the normal functioning of digestion enzymes”. The Panel assumes that the target population is the general population.
Digestive enzymes are protein molecules that catalyse the breakdown of large food molecules into smaller molecules to facilitate their absorption by the small intestine. They are secreted by the salivary glands, the glands in the stomach, the pancreas, and the glands in the small intestine. Failure to digest and absorb dietary nutrients leads to malabsorption.
The Panel considers that the normal function of digestive enzymes is beneficial to human health.

3. Naukowe uzasadnienia wpływu na zdrowie człowieka - 

More than 99% of the total calcium in the body is located in bones and teeth and contributes to their mass, structure and strength. Besides this structural role, calcium acts as an intracellular messenger and as a cofactor for extracellular enzymes and proteins (IoM, 1997).

3.5. Funkcjonowanie enzymów trawiennych (ID 355)

The list of references provided consists of one review, one report, one manual and one book chapter.
The information included in well-recognised monographs and manuals does not support a role for dietary calcium in the function of several enzymes, since such functions are not affected by changes in plasma concentrations of calcium or by dietary calcium intake (Berdanier et al., 2002; British Nutrition Foundation Taskforce, 1989; Gurr et al., 1999; EVM, 2002; Bowman and Russell, 2007; Gibney et al., 2002; Caballero et al., 2005). However, several digestive enzymes (e.g. lipase) require a chemical association between calcium and enzyme protein(s) for full catalytic activity to occur.
The Panel concludes that a cause and effect relationship has been established between calcium and the normal function of digestive enzymes. However, the evidence provided does not establish that inadequate intake of calcium leading to impaired function of digestive enzymes occurs in the general EU population.

4.5. Funkcjonowanie enzymów trawiennych (ID 355)

The Panel considers that the following wordings reflect the scientific evidence: “Calcium contributes to the normal function of digestive enzymes”

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 calcium as per Annex to Regulation (EC) 1924/2006. Such amounts can be easily consumed as part of a balanced
diet. No Tolerable Upper Intake Levels (UL) have been established for calcium in children and adolescents; the UL for calcium in adults is 2500 mg/day (SCF, 2003).

Warunki i możliwe ograniczenia stosowania oświadczenia

The product must contain at least 15% of the RDA Agency guidance for supplements is that products containing > 1500mg of calcium should carry the label advisory statement "[This amount of Calcium]* may cause mild stomach upset in sensitive individuals."