Scientific Opinion on the substantiation of health claims related to iodine
and contribution to normal cognitive and neurological function (ID 273),
contribution to normal energy-yielding metabolism (ID 402), and
contribution to normal thyroid function and production of thyroid
hormones (ID 1237) pursuant to Article 13(1) of Regulation (EC) No
1924/2006[sup]1[/sup]
EFSA Panel on Dietetic Products, Nutrition and Allergies (NDA)2, 3
European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), Parma, Italy
Słowa kluczowe:
Iodine
cognitive function
energy-yielding metabolism
health claims
neurological function
thyroid function
thyroid hormones
1. Charakterystyka żywności / składnika
The food constituent that is the subject of the health claims is iodine, which is a well recognised nutrient and is measurable in foods by established methods.
Iodine occurs naturally in foods and is authorised for addition to foods (Annex I of the Regulation (EC) No 1925/20066 and Annex I of Directive 2002/46/EC7). This evaluation applies to iodine 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, iodine, which is the subject of the health claims, is sufficiently characterised.
2. Znaczenie oświadczenia dla zdrowia człowieka
2.1. Udział w prawidłowym przebiegu procesów poznawczych i funkcji neurologicznych (ID 273)
The claimed effect is “neurological/mental and cognitive development (including in utero)”. The Panel assumes that the target population is the general population.
In the context of the clarifications provided by Member States, the Panel assumes that the claimed effect is related to normal cognitive and neurological function.
The Panel considers that contribution to normal cognitive and neurological function is a beneficial physiological effect.
2.2. Udział w prawidłowym pozyskiwaniu energii w procesach metabolicznych (ID 402)
The claimed effect is “energy metabolism”. The Panel assumes that the target population is the general population.
A claim on iodine and normal energy-yielding metabolism has already been assessed with a favourable outcome (EFSA Panel on Dietetic Products, Nutrition and Allergies (NDA), 2009).
2.3. Wpływ na prawidłowe funkcjonowanie tarczycy i produkcję hormonów (ID 1237)
The claimed effect is “body functions”. The Panel assumes that the target population is the general population.
In the context of the clarifications provided by Member States, the Panel assumes that the claimed effect is related to normal thyroid function and production of thyroid hormones.
A claim on iodine and normal thyroid function and production of thyroid hormones has already been assessed with a favourable outcome (EFSA Panel on Dietetic Products, Nutrition and Allergies (NDA), 2009).
3. Naukowe uzasadnienia wpływu na zdrowie człowieka -
Iodine is an essential constituent of the thyroid hormones, which have important modifying or permissive roles in growth and development, and there is a large body of evidence indicating a crucial role for iodine in growth and development (Sadler et al., 1999; IoM, 2002; Garrow et al., 2000; WHO, 2001; Strain and Cashman, 2009). The biological function of the thyroid hormones encompasses the regulation of energy-yielding metabolism and endocrine function by cellular oxidation, thermoregulation, intermediary metabolism, protein and enzyme synthesis, nitrogen retention, gluconeogenesis and pituitary gonadotropins (Houston, 1998; SCF, 2002). A wide spectrum of iodine deficiency disorders has been observed, depending on the degree of deficiency and the life stage at which the deficiency occurs. These disorders include goitre, hypothyroidism and impaired mental function, including the most severe forms of endemic cretinism (congenital, severe, irreversible mental and growth retardation). Other symptoms of severe iodine deficiency disorders (arising from iodine deficiency in the foetus) include deaf-mutism, squint, disorders of stance and gait, and dry skin and swollen subcutaneous tissue (Delange, 2000; EVM, 2003; WHO, 2007). Most countries in the world have some degree of iodine deficiency disorders including several European countries (Stanbury et al., 1998; WHO, 1999; Delange, 2002, WHO, 2007).
3.1. Udział w prawidłowym przebiegu procesów poznawczych i funkcji neurologicznych (ID 273)
Iodine deficiency disorders encompass suboptimal neurological function, apathy and mental sluggishness (SCF, 2002). The WHO (2001) describes a wide spectrum of iodine deficiency disorders which include retarded mental and physical development in children and adolescents, and impaired mental function and reduced cognitive capacity for people of all ages.
The Panel concludes that a cause and effect relationship has been established between the dietary intake of iodine and contribution to normal cognitive and neurological function.
4. Uwagi do zaproponowanego brzmienia oświadczenia
4.1. Udział w prawidłowym przebiegu procesów poznawczych i funkcji neurologicznych (ID 273)
The Panel considers that the following wording reflects the scientific evidence: “Iodine contributes to normal cognitive 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 iodine as per Annex to Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006. Tolerable Upper Intake Levels (ULs) have been established for iodine in children, adolescents, adults, pregnant and lactating women (SCF, 2002). The target population is the general population.
Wnioski
On the basis of the data presented, the Panel concludes that:
The food constituent, iodine, which is the subject of the health claims, is sufficiently characterised.
Contribution to normal cognitive and neurological function (ID 273)
The claimed effect is “neurological/mental and cognitive development (including in utero)”. The target population is assumed to be the general population. Contribution to normal cognitive and neurological function is a beneficial physiological effect.
A cause and effect relationship has been established between the dietary intake of iodine and contribution to normal cognitive and neurological function.
The following wording reflects the scientific evidence: “Iodine contributes to normal cognitive and neurological function”.
Contribution to normal energy-yielding metabolism (ID 402)
The claimed effect is “energy metabolism”. The target population is assumed to be the general population.
A claim on iodine and normal energy-yielding metabolism has already been assessed with a favourable outcome.
Contribution to normal thyroid function and production of thyroid hormones (ID 1237)
The claimed effect is “body functions”. The target population is assumed to be the general population. In the context of the clarifications provided by Member States, it is assumed that the claimed effect is related to normal thyroid function and production of thyroid hormones.
A claim on iodine and normal thyroid function and production of thyroid hormones has already been assessed with a favourable outcome.
Conditions and possible restrictions of use
In order to bear the claims a food should be at least a source of iodine 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.
