Scientific Opinion on the substantiation of health claims related to
molybdenum and contribution to normal amino acid metabolism (ID 313)
and protection of DNA, proteins and lipids from oxidative damage (ID 341)
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:
DNA
Molybdenum
amino acids
antioxidant
health claims
lipids
oxidative damage
proteins
1. Charakterystyka żywności / składnika
The food constituent that is the subject of the claims is molybdenum, which is a well recognised nutrient and is measurable in foods by established methods. Molybdenum 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 molybdenum 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, molybdenum, which is the subject of the health claims, is sufficiently characterised.
2. Znaczenie oświadczenia dla zdrowia człowieka
2.1. Udział w prawidłowym metabolizmie aminokwasów (ID 313)
The claimed effect is “for amino acids (including uric acid) metabolism”. The Panel assumes that the target population is the general population.
The Panel considers that contribution to normal amino acid metabolism is a beneficial physiological effect.
2.2. Ochrona DNA, białek i lipidów przed uszkodzeniem oksydacyjnym (ID 341)
The claimed effect is “antioxidant activity”. 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 body cells and molecules (such as DNA, proteins and lipids) 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 factors (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 protection of DNA, proteins and lipids from oxidative damage may be a beneficial physiological effect.
3. Naukowe uzasadnienia wpływu na zdrowie człowieka
3.1. Udział w prawidłowym metabolizmie aminokwasów (ID 313)
Molybdenum functions as a cofactor for some enzymes in humans, such as sulphite oxidase, xanthine oxidase (XO) and aldehyde oxidase, which are involved in sulphur amino acid metabolism and purine metabolism (IoM, 2001). Observations of molybdenum deficiency have been limited to genetic defects that interfere with the molybdenum cofactor's ability to activate molybdoenzymes and to one case of feeding molybdenum-free total parenteral nutrition. Human dietary deficiency of molybdenum has not been reported (Eckhert, 2006).
The Panel concludes that a cause and effect relationship has been established between the dietary intake of molybdenum and contribution to normal sulphur amino acid metabolism. However, the evidence provided does not establish that inadequate intake of molybdenum leading to impaired sulphur amino acid metabolism occurs in the general EU population.
3.2. Ochrona DNA, białek i lipidów przed uszkodzeniem oksydacyjnym (ID 341)
Molybdenum functions as a cofactor for some enzymes in humans, such as sulphite oxidase, xanthine oxidase (XO) and aldehyde oxidase, which are involved in sulphur amino acid and purine metabolism (IoM, 2001). None of these enzymes are recognised as belonging to the antioxidant defence system. Dietary deficiency of molybdenum has not been documented. In acquired molybdenum deficiency, uric acid levels are lowered owing to low XO activity. Uric acid can act in vivo as a radical scavenger (IoM, 2001). However, XO can also produce superoxides, contributing to increased oxidative damage.
The references provided for the scientific substantiation of this claim were general reviews and textbook information on molybdenum metabolism, function, toxicity and dietary intake in the US, but no specific data on ROS scavenging and/or protection of cells or molecules against ROS-induced damage were submitted.
The Panel considers that a cause and effect relationship has not been established between the dietary intake of molybdenum and the protection of DNA, proteins and lipids from oxidative damage.
4. Uwagi do zaproponowanego brzmienia oświadczenia
4.1. Udział w prawidłowym metabolizmie aminokwasów (ID 313)
The following wording reflects the scientific evidence: “Molybdenum contributes to normal sulphur amino acid metabolism”.
5. Warunki i możliwe ograniczenia stosowania oświadczenia
5.1. Udział w prawidłowym metabolizmie aminokwasów (ID 313)
The Panel considers that in order to bear the claim a food should be at least a source of molybdenum as per Annex to Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006. Such amounts can be easily consumed as part of a balanced diet. Tolerable Upper Intake Levels have been established for molybdenum in children, adolescents and adults (SCF, 2000).
Wnioski
On the basis of the data presented, the Panel concludes that:
The food constituent, molybdenum, which is the subject of the health claims, is sufficiently characterised.
Contribution to normal amino acid metabolism (ID 313)
The claimed effect is “for amino acids (including uric acid) metabolism”. The target population is assumed to be the general population. Normal amino acid metabolism is a beneficial physiological effect.
A cause and effect relationship has been established between the dietary intake of molybdenum and contribution to normal sulphur amino acid metabolism.
The evidence provided does not establish that inadequate intake of molybdenum leading to impaired sulphur amino acid metabolism occurs in the general EU population.
The following wording reflects the scientific evidence: “Molybdenum contributes to normal sulphur amino acid metabolism”.
Protection of DNA, proteins and lipids from oxidative damage (ID 341)
The claimed effect is “antioxidant activity”. The target population is assumed to be the general population. Protection of DNA, proteins and lipids from oxidative damage may be a beneficial physiological effect.
A cause and effect relationship has not been established between the dietary intake of molybdenum and the protection of DNA, proteins and lipids from oxidative damage.
Conditions and possible restrictions of use
In order to bear the claim, a food should be at least a source of molybdenum 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.
