ID 636 - Kwas eikozapentaenowy

PL: Kwas eikozapentaenowy
EN: Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA)
Pdf: eicosapentaenoic acid

Oświadczenie (2)

1. Charakterystyka żywności / składnika

The food constituent that is the subject of the health claims is eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA).
EPA is a 20-carbon fatty acid with 5 double bonds of the omega 3 series (omega-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid). It is a well recognised nutrient naturally present in foods from animal sources, especially oily fish, or used, generally in the form of triglycerides, for addition to foods or food supplements. EPA is measurable in foods by established methods.
The Panel considers that the food constituent, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), which is the subject of the health claims is sufficiently characterised.

2.5. Ochrona lipidów we krwi przed uszkodzeniem oksydacyjnym (ID 636)

The claimed effect is “supportive measure to reduce the level of oxidised cholesterol („in vivo‟ research)”. 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 blood lipids (LDL-cholesterol particles) from oxidative damage.
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 noxes (e.g. radiation, 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 the protection of blood lipids from oxidative damage may be a beneficial physiological effect.

3.5. Ochrona lipidów we krwi przed uszkodzeniem oksydacyjnym (ID 636)

Twelve references have been provided to substantiate the claim. Only one reported on a study using EPA alone but did not address effects on lipid peroxidation. All other references, including one narrative review and two animal studies, dealt with fish oils or various combinations of EPA and DHA and/or addressed other outcomes than lipoprotein oxidation. The Panel considers that no conclusions can be drawn from these studies for the scientific substantiation of the claim.
The Panel concludes that a cause and effect relationship has not been established between the consumption of EPA and the protection of blood lipids from oxidative damage.

Warunki i możliwe ograniczenia stosowania oświadczenia

At least 220 mg EPA/day, based on a 2000 kcal diet.