ID 386 - Potas

PL: Potas
EN: Potassium
Pdf: potassium

Oświadczenie (4)

Oświadczenie (2)

1. Charakterystyka żywności / składnika

The food constituent that is the subject of the health claim is potassium, which is a well recognised nutrient and can be measured by established methods. Potassium occurs naturally in foods in several forms, mainly as organic salts.
Different forms of potassium are authorised for addition to foods and for use in food supplements (Annex II of the Regulation (EC) No 1925/20065 and Annex I of Directive 2002/46/EC6). This evaluation applies to potassium 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 I of Directive 2002/46/EC).
Potassium is naturally present in unprocessed foods mainly in association with bicarbonate-generating precursors such us citrate, and to lesser extent phosphate. Potassium is authorised for addition to foods for technological purposes (Regulation (EC) No 1333/20087) and for addition to foods for nutritional purposes (Annex I of the Regulation (EC) No 1925/2006). Potassium is also authorised for use in food supplements (Annex II of the Directive 2002/46/EC). This evaluation applies to potassium naturally present in foods and those forms authorised for addition to foods (Annex II of the Regulation (EC) No 1925/2006).
The Panel considers that the food constituent, potassium, which is the subject of the health claims is sufficiently characterised.

2.1. Utrzymanie prawidłowego funkcjonowania układu nerwowo-mięśniowego (ID 320, 386)

The claimed effects are “signal transduction and muscle contraction” and “nerve function”. The Panel assumes that the target population is the general population.
The Panel considers that maintenance of normal muscular and neurological function is a beneficial physiological effect.

3. Naukowe uzasadnienia wpływu na zdrowie człowieka - 

Potassium is the major intracellular cation and plays a significant role in several physiological processes. Potassium has a crucial role in energy metabolism and membrane transport. A major function of potassium is membrane polarisation, which depends on the extra- and intra-cellular concentrations of potassium (gradient trans-membrane). Relatively small changes in the concentration of extracellular potassium greatly affect the gradient trans-membrane and thereby neural transmission, muscle contraction, and vascular tone (IoM, 2005; Preuss, 2006).

3.1. Utrzymanie prawidłowego funkcjonowania układu nerwowo-mięśniowego (ID 320, 386)

Approximately 98% of the total body potassium is located within the cell, where its concentration can be 30 times that of the extracellular fluid. Nevertheless, the concentration of potassium in the extracellular fluid is a critical determinant of neuromuscular excitability (EVM, 2002). Potassium deficiency or hypokalaemia is defined as low (below 137 mg/L or 3.5 mmol/L) plasma potassium concentrations. Hypokalaemia can be the result of either an intracellular shift of potassium, potassium depletion, or both (JHCI, 2003). Signs and symptoms of hypokalaemia owing to changes in the polarisation of cell membranes include muscle weakness, arrhythmia, cardiac arrest, and intestinal ileus. Mental depression and confusion can also develop (SCF, 1992).
The Panel notes that hypokalaemia rarely results from dietary inadequacy, but rather from crash diets, diarrhoea, diabetic acidosis, vomiting, intense or prolonged sweating, body burns and heavy urine losses owing to the use of diuretics (EVM, 2002).
The Panel concludes that a cause and effect relationship has been established between the dietary intake of potassium and maintenance of normal muscular and neurological function.

4.1. Utrzymanie prawidłowego funkcjonowania układu nerwowo-mięśniowego (ID 320, 386)

The Panel considers that the following wording reflects the scientific evidence: “Potassium contributes to normal muscular and neurological 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 potassium as per Annex to Regulation 1924/2006. Tolerable Upper Intake Levels (UL) have not been established for potassium in children, adolescents and adults (EFSA, 2006).

Warunki i możliwe ograniczenia stosowania oświadczenia

300.0 mg

Warunki i możliwe ograniczenia stosowania oświadczenia

Does claim rely on the presence/presence in a reduced quantity/absence of a nutrient or other substance: NA Daily amount to be consumed to produce claimed effect: 3100 miligram(s) Are there factors that could interfere with bioavailability: No Length of time after consumption for claimed effect to become apparent: Habitual intake Is there a limit to the amount of food which should be consumed in order to avoid adverse health effects: Don't Know. Provided that renal function is normal, it is almost impossible to induce potassium overload by dietary means alone. Excessive use of supplemental forms of potassium can cause acute hyperkalaemia. Intakes above 450mmol (17.6g) may induce symptomatic hyperkalaemia in some individuals and would represent a threshold for acute toxicity.