Iron 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

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 iron and contribution to the normal function of the immune system. The scope of the application was proposed to fall under a health claim referring to children's development and health. The Panel considers that the food constituent, iron, which is the subject of the health claim, is sufficiently characterised and that contribution to the normal function of the immune system is a beneficial physiological effect. The target population proposed by the applicant is ‘infants and young children from birth to 3 years of age’. The Panel has previously assessed a claim on iron and contribution to the normal function of the immune system in the general population with a favourable outcome. The Panel considers that the role of iron in the functioning of the immune system applies to all ages, including infants and young children up to 3 years of age. The Panel concludes that a cause and effect relationship has been established between the dietary intake of iron and contribution to the normal function of the immune system. The following wording reflects the scientific evidence: ‘Iron contributes to the normal function of the immune system’. The target population is infants and young children up to 3 years of age.