Scientific Opinion on the substantiation of health claims related to
linoleic acid and maintenance of neurological function (ID 732, 2897)
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:
Linoleic acid
health claims
neurological function
1. Charakterystyka żywności / składnika
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Prawidłowy przebieg funkcji neurologicznych
The food constituent that is the subject of the health claim is linoleic acid. Linoleic acid is a polyunsaturated omega-6 fatty acid with 18 carbon atoms and two double bonds, and is present in various vegetable oils and legumes. In humans, linoleic acid is elongated and desaturated to arachidonic acid that is further metabolised into eicosanoids of the 2-series. Linoleic acid is bioavailable and can be measured in foods by established methods.
The Panel considers that the food constituent, linoleic acid, which is the subject of the health claim is sufficiently characterised.
2. Znaczenie oświadczenia dla zdrowia człowieka
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Prawidłowy przebieg funkcji neurologicznych
The claimed effect is “brain development and maturation of neurosensorial functions”. The Panel assumes that the target population is the general population.
Brain development and maturation of neurosensorial functions are interpreted by the Panel as neurological development and function. According to the terms of reference health claims referring to children's development and health are outside the scope of the Article 13(1) health claims.
The Panel considers that maintenance of normal neurological function is a beneficial physiological effect.
3. Naukowe uzasadnienia wpływu na zdrowie człowieka - Prawidłowy przebieg funkcji neurologicznych
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Prawidłowy przebieg funkcji neurologicznych
A total of four references were cited to substantiate the claim: one article and three general textbooks on human nutrition. The article reported a study of metabolic risk factors for stroke (Wiberg et al., 2006). The Panel notes that the references cited provided no scientific data that could be used to substantiate the claimed effect.
The Panel concludes that a cause and effect relationship has not been established between the dietary intake of linoleic acid and maintenance of normal neurological function.
Wnioski
On the basis of the data presented, the Panel concludes that:
The food constituent, linoleic acid, which is the subject of the health claims is sufficiently characterised.
The claimed effect is “brain development and maturation of neurosensorial functions”. The target population is assumed to be the general population. Maintenance of normal neurological function is a beneficial physiological effect.
A cause and effect relationship has not been established between the dietary intake of linoleic acid and maintenance of normal neurological function.
