Health Claims

For a claim to be made for a functional ingredient, the scientific review will have to satisfy the conditions set out in the EU Regulation on Health and Nutrition Claims and the claim registered on the EU Register of Health Claims.

Nutrient metabolism

Certain nutrients are essential for basic bodily functions, and a wide range of health claims have been authorised by the EU in this area. They include: Health claim ‘contributes to normal…’ Vitamin Mineral Other Macronutrient metabolism Biotin Chromium, Zinc *Homocysteine metabolism Folate, vitamin B12, vitamin B6 Betaine, Choline Energy-yielding metabolism Pantothenic acid, vitamin B1, vitamin B2, […]

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Mental health

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’ Vitamin Mineral Psychological Normal psychological function Biotin, Folate, Niacin, Vitamin B1, vitamin B12, vitamin B6, vitamin C

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Immune system

The immune system is a complex collection of organs, cells and tissues that work collectively to protect the body against disease caused mostly by pathogens (bacteria, viruses, parasites and fungi). Parts of the immune system include the tonsils, lymph nodes, appendix, spleen, thymus, skin and mucous membranes. The lymph nodes in particular produce lymphocyte cells

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Hair, nails and skin

Several claims have been authorised by the EU for vitamins and minerals that help maintain healthy hair, nails and skin. These include: Health claim ‘contributes to the maintenance of’ Vitamin Mineral Normal hair Biotin Selenium, Zinc Normal hair pigmentation   Copper Normal skin Niacin, vitamin A Iodine, Zinc Normal skin pigmentation   Copper Normal skin

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Energy and exercise

Sports nutrition is a huge and growing market, with an array of products and ingredients authorised to claim that they boost physical performance. Energy, which is essential for stamina, is produced by the metabolism of food by the digestive system, with several vitamins and minerals involved in the process. A total of 20 health claims

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Cellular health

Our bodies are made up of cells and it is therefore essential for cells to develop normally and remain healthy to ensure overall health. Health claims are now authorised across the EU for nutrients which have a role in cell division and specialisation, protection of cells from oxidative stress, and normal formation of red blood

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Muscle & joint health

Several claims have been authorised for muscle and joint health. These include:- Health claim – ‘contributes to…’ Normal muscle function Calcium, Magnesium, Potassium, vitamin D* Growth in muscle mass Protein The maintenance of muscle mass Protein The maintenance of normal connective tissue Copper The formation of normal connective tissue Manganese Normal sulphur amino-acid metabolism Molybdenum

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Heart health

High levels of cholesterol are believed to be bad for the heart. Increasing numbers of people in the western world now take statin drugs to help reduce the levels of ‘bad’ cholesterol in their bloodstream, as it can lead to blocked arteries and increase the risk of heart attacks and strokes. But a number of

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Digestive health

Foods that claim to improve digestive health are now commonplace on the supermarket shelves. In recent years, these probiotic-bacteria have become popular ingredients in foods designed to promote digestive health. These days, it’s not as simple as adding ‘fibre’ – many more exotic sounding ingredients such as resistant starch, inulin, oligosaccharides and polydextrose are used, not to mention the lactic acid bacteria that are added to yogurts and yogurt drinks

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