ID 401 - Chrom

PL: Chrom
EN: Chromium
Pdf: chromium

Oświadczenie (4)

Oświadczenie (2)

1. Charakterystyka żywności / składnika

The food constituent that is the subject of the health claim is trivalent chromium Cr(III), which is a well recognised nutrient and is measurable in foods by established methods. Trivalent chromium occurs naturally in foods in many forms and approximately 0.5-2 % is absorbed to be utilised by the body. Different forms of Cr(III) are authorised for addition to foods and for use in food supplements (Annex II of the Regulation (EC) No 1925/20066 and Annex II of Directive 2002/46/EC7). This evaluation applies to Cr(III) 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, trivalent chromium, which is the subject of the health claims, is sufficiently characterised.

2.1. Udział w prawidłowym metabolizmie makroskładników (ID 260, 401, 4665, 4666, 4667)

The claimed effects are “chromium has been shown to potentiate insulin action and thereby influences carbohydrate, lipid and protein metabolism”, “chromium is part of enzymes of the carbohydrate and lipid metabolism”, “promotes carbohydrates catabolism by potentiating insulin action and thereby influencing carbohydrates metabolism”, “promotes fat catabolism by potentiating insulin action and thereby influencing lipid metabolism”, and “glucose metabolism”. The Panel assumes that the target population is the general population.
The Panel assumes that the claimed effect refers to macronutrient metabolism.
The Panel considers that contribution to normal macronutrient metabolism is a beneficial physiological effect.

3. Naukowe uzasadnienia wpływu na zdrowie człowieka

Chromium depletion that responds to chromium supplementation has been reported in humans receiving long-term total parenteral nutrition (TPN) with TPN solutions low in or free of chromium (Jeejeebhoy et al., 1977; Freund et al., 1979; Brown et al., 1986). Jeejeebhoy et al. (1977) reported on a female receiving long-term parenteral nutrition for three and a half years, who exhibited impaired glucose tolerance and glucose utilisation, weight loss, neuropathy, elevated plasma fatty acids, depressed respiratory quotient and abnormalities in nitrogen metabolism. A patient receiving total parenteral nutrition low in chromium for five months after complete bowel resection developed severe glucose intolerance, weight loss and a metabolic encephalopathy-like confusional state (Freund et al., 1979). Both syndromes were reversed by chromium supplementation. Brown et al. (1986) reported that chromium supplementation reversed the development of unexplained hyperglycaemia and
glycosuria in a 63-year-old female during administration of a TPN regime of several months duration. Glucose intolerance was the only clinical manifestation of depletion in this patient.
Impaired glucose tolerance of malnourished infants has been reported to respond to an oral dose of chromium chloride (Hopkins and Majaj, 1967; Hopkins et al., 1968; IoM, 2001). Also, chromium appears to potentiate the action of insulin in vivo and in vitro, and restores glucose tolerance in rats (IoM, 2001; EVM, 2002).

3.1. Udział w prawidłowym metabolizmie makroskładników (ID 260, 401, 4665, 4666, 4667)

A common feature in all cases of chromium depletion reported in humans is an impaired glucose tolerance and glucose utilisation probably resulting from an increased resistance to the action of insulin (Jeejeebhoy et al., 1977; Freund et al., 1979; Brown et al., 1986). As reported by Jeejeebhoy et al. (1977), these lead to elevated plasma concentrations of fatty acids, increased utilisation of fatty acids as a source of energy, and possibly to abnormalities in nitrogen metabolism, as nitrogen retention increased with the administration of chromium chloride.
Although there is no consensus about the mechanism by which chromium could exert these effects, consensus opinions from authoritative bodies are generally in agreement that chromium facilitates the action of insulin, thus contributing to macronutrient metabolism (SCF, 1993; IoM, 2001; EVM, 2002).
The Panel concludes that a cause and effect relationship has been established between the dietary intake of chromium and contribution to normal macronutrient metabolism. However, the evidence provided does not establish that inadequate intake of chromium leading to impaired macronutrient metabolism occurs in the general EU population.

4.1. Udział w prawidłowym metabolizmie makroskładników (ID 260, 401, 4665, 4666, 4667)

The Panel considers that the following wording reflects the scientific evidence: “Chromium contributes to normal macronutrient metabolism”.

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 trivalent chromium 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.

Warunki i możliwe ograniczenia stosowania oświadczenia

yes