Open AccessVitamin C and contribution to the normal function of the immune system: evaluation of a health claim pursuant to Article 14 of Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006
Author(s) -
Nutrition and Allergies EFSA Panel on Dietetic Products
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
efsa journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.076
H-Index - 97
ISSN - 1831-4732
DOI - 10.2903/j.efsa.2015.4298
Subject(s) - immune system , vitamin , population , authorization , physiology , medicine , vitamin d and neurology , vitamin c , environmental health , immunology , endocrinology , computer security , computer science
A bstract Following an application from Specialised Nutrition Europe (formerly IDACE), submitted for authorisation of a health claim pursuant to Article 14 of Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006 via the Competent Authority of France, the EFSA Panel on Dietetic Products, Nutrition and Allergies (NDA) was asked to deliver an opinion on the scientific substantiation of a health claim related to vitamin C and ‘helps to support a healthy immune system’. The Panel considers that vitamin C is sufficiently characterised, and that contribution to the normal function of the immune system is a beneficial physiological effect. The Panel has previously assessed a claim on vitamin C and its contribution to the normal function of the immune system with a favourable outcome. The target population was the general population. The Panel considers that the role of vitamin C in the functioning of the immune system applies to all ages, including infants and young children (from birth to three years of age). The Panel concludes that a cause and effect relationship has been established between the dietary intake of vitamin C and contribution to the normal function of the immune system. The following wording reflects the scientific evidence: ‘Vitamin C contributes to the normal function of the immune system.’ The target population is infants and young children up to three years of age.