ID 691 - Kwas dokozaheksaenowy

PL: Kwas dokozaheksaenowy
EN: Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)
Pdf: docosahexaenoic acid

Oświadczenie (4)

Oświadczenie (2)

1. Charakterystyka żywności / składnika

The food constituent that is the subject of the health claims is docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), which is a well characterised n-3 long-chain fatty acid that can be quantified in foods by established methods. The absorption of DHA is well documented. This evaluation applies to all sources of DHA in the specified amounts.
The Panel considers that the food constituent, DHA, which is the subject of the health claims is sufficiently characterised.

2.1. Utrzymanie prawidłowego stężenia cholesterolu we krwi na czczo (ID 533, 691, 3150)

The claimed effect is “heart health”. The Panel assumes that the target population is the general population.
In the context of the proposed wordings and clarifications provided by Member States, the Panel assumes that the claimed effect refers to the maintenance of normal blood concentrations of triglycerides.
Triglycerides in plasma are either derived from dietary fats or synthesised in the body from other energy sources like carbohydrates. In fasting conditions, serum triglycerides are mainly transported in very-low-density lipoproteins (VLDL) which are synthesised in the liver. Excess energy intake with a meal is converted to triglycerides and transported to the adipose tissue for storage. Hormones regulate the release of triglycerides from adipose tissue in order to meet energy needs between meals.
The Panel considers that maintenance of normal (fasting) blood concentrations of triglycerides may be a beneficial physiological effect.

3.1. Utrzymanie prawidłowego stężenia cholesterolu we krwi na czczo (ID 533, 691, 3150)

The references provided for the substantiation of the claimed effect included general reviews, consensus opinions, nutrient recommendations and human intervention studies either on the health effects of combined long-chain n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (e.g. EPA plus DHA) from different sources (e.g. fish oil), or on the effects of DHA alone on clinical outcomes other than blood concentrations of triglycerides (e.g. haemostatic function, blood pressure, endothelial function). The Panel considers that no scientific conclusions can be drawn from these references in relation to the role of DHA alone in maintaining normal blood concentrations of triglycerides.
Among the references provided, only two systematic reviews specifically address the effect of DHA alone on blood concentrations of triglycerides (Mori and Woodman, 2006; Von Schacky, 2006). Both reviews reported on randomised clinical trials (RCTs) in humans showing statistically significant reductions in triglyceride concentrations after DHA supplementation at daily doses of 3-4 g, whereas no significant changes were observed at daily doses <2 g per day.
The Panel concludes that a cause and effect relationship has been established between the consumption of DHA and the maintenance of normal (fasting) blood concentrations of triglycerides.

4.1. Utrzymanie prawidłowego stężenia cholesterolu we krwi na czczo (ID 533, 691, 3150)

The Panel considers that the following wording reflects the scientific evidence: “DHA contributes to the maintenance of normal blood triglyceride levels”.

5.1. Utrzymanie prawidłowego stężenia cholesterolu we krwi na czczo (ID 533, 691, 3150)

The Panel considers that, in order to obtain the claimed effect, 2 g per day of DHA should be consumed in one or more servings. The target population is adult men and women.

Warunki i możliwe ograniczenia stosowania oświadczenia

At least 120 mg/d DHA recommended for the general population