Numerous health claims have been authorised by the EU in this area. They fall into three major categories – psychological, cognitive and neurological claims. Many claims submitted for memory and its enhancement were rejected.


Health claim ‘contributes to’
VitaminMineral
PsychologicalNormal psychological functionBiotin, Folate, Niacin, Vitamin B1, vitamin B12, vitamin B6, vitamin CMagnesium
Cognitive*Normal cognitive functionIodine, Iron, Zinc
Cognitive development in childrenIron
Mental performancePantothenic acid
NeurologicalContributes to functioning of the nervous systemVitamin B12, biotin,  niacin, vitamin B1, vitamin B2, vitamin B6, vitamin CCopper, Iodine, Magnesium, Potassium
*A claim has also been authorised for water as it ‘contributes to physical and cognitive function’..

There also two important claims authorised for DHA (dodecahexanoic acid), a component of fish oil which can also be manufactured by fermentation. They are:-

  • ‘contributes to the maintenance of normal brain function (general population)’
  • ‘maternal intake (of DHA) contributes to normal brain development of the foetus and breastfed infants’.

A claim may be made for a single nutrient or several nutrients.

The EU Health Claims Register is dynamic in nature and should be checked for updates

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