ID 93 - Witamina B12

PL: Witamina B12
EN: Vitamin B12
Pdf: various food(s)/food constituent(s) that are referring to children’s development

Oświadczenie (4)

Oświadczenie (2)

1. Charakterystyka żywności / składnika

The food constituent that is the subject of the health claims is vitamin B12, which is a specific group of cobalt-containing corrinoids with biological activity in humans. Recommended biochemical nomenclature restricts the term vitamin B12 for the particular form of cobalamin known as cyanocobalamin and all cobalamins exhibiting qualitatively the biological activity of cyanocobalamin. Cobalamins do not occur in plants but are synthesised by certain bacteria, fungi and algae, which constitute the ultimate source of all cobalamin found in nature (Green, 2005). Vitamin B12 is a well recognised nutrient and is measurable in foods by established methods.
Vitamin B12 occurs naturally in foods and it is authorised for addition to foods and for use in food supplements (Annex I of the Regulation (EC) No 1925/20064 and Annex I of Directive 2002/46/EC5). This evaluation applies to vitamin B12 naturally present in foods and those forms authorised for addition to foods (Annex II of the Regulation (EC) No 1925/2006 and Annex II of Directive 2002/46/EC). The Panel considers that the food constituent, vitamin B12, which is the subject of the health claims is sufficiently characterised.

2.2. Podziały komórek (ID 93)

The claimed effect is “cell division”. The Panel assumes that the target population is the general population. The Panel notes that cell division is a crucial process for tissue growth and development and for tissue maintenance through cell turnover.
The Panel considers that normal cell division is beneficial to human health.

3. Naukowe uzasadnienia wpływu na zdrowie człowieka - 

The two forms of vitamin B12 that function as coenzymes for metabolic reactions are methylcobalamin and deoxyadenosylcobalamin.

3.2. Podziały komórek (ID 93)

Vitamin B12 is required as coenzyme in the form of methylcobalamin for the transmethylation of homocysteine to methionine by 5-methyl-tetrahydrofolate. Methionine is an essential amino acid that is necessary for protein synthesis but is also a crucial methyl donor after activation to S-adenosylmethionine (SAM). SAM is a source of methyl groups for the synthesis of creatine phospholipids and neurotransmitters, and for DNA, RNA, and protein methylation (Green, 2005; Stabler, 2006). The Panel concludes that a cause and effect relationship has been established between the dietary intake of vitamin B12 and normal cell division.

4.2. Podziały komórek (ID 93)

The Panel considers that the following wording reflects the scientific evidence: “vitamin B12 contributes to normal cell division”.

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 vitamin B12 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. Tolerable Upper Intake Levels (UL) have not been established for vitamin B12 in children, adolescents and adults.

Warunki i możliwe ograniczenia stosowania oświadczenia

Must at least be a source of vitamin/s as per annex to regulation 1924/2006