Open AccessLactobacillus fermentum CECT 5716 and a reduction of the Staphylococcus load in breast milk which reduces the risk of infectious mastitis: evaluation of a health claim pursuant to Article 14 of Regulation ( EC ) No 1924/2006
Author(s) -
Turck Dominique,
Bresson JeanLouis,
Burlingame Barbara,
Dean Tara,
FairweatherTait Susan,
Hein Marina,
HirschErnst Karen Ildico,
Mangelsdorf Inge,
McArdle Harry J,
Naska Androniki,
NeuhäuserBerthold Monika,
Nowicka Grażyna,
Pentieva Kristina,
Sanz Yolanda,
Stern Martin,
Tomé Daniel,
Van Loveren Henk,
Vinceti Marco,
Willatts Peter,
Martin Ambroise,
Strain John Joseph,
Siani Alfonso
Publication year - 2017
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.2017.4917
Subject(s) - lactobacillus fermentum , mastitis , medicine , staphylococcus aureus , infectious disease (medical specialty) , lactobacillus , environmental health , food science , disease , biology , lactic acid , bacteria , pathology , genetics , lactobacillus plantarum , fermentation
Following an application from Biosearch Life, 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 Lactobacillus fermentum CECT 5716 and decreases the Staphylococcus load in breast milk. High Staphylococcus load in breast milk is a risk factor for infectious mastitis. The scope of the application was proposed to fall under a health claim referring to disease risk reduction. The Panel considers that Lactobacillus fermentum CECT 5716 is sufficiently characterised. In the context of this application, the Staphylococcus load in breast milk can be considered a risk factor for the development of infectious mastitis, as long as evidence is provided that the consumption of Lactobacillus fermentum CECT 5716 reduces the Staphylococcus load in breast milk as well as the incidence of infectious mastitis. Three human intervention studies investigated the effect of Lactobacillus fermentum CECT 5716 on the Staphylococcus load of breast milk in lactating women. One of these studies was conducted in lactating women free of infectious mastitis at baseline. The Panel considers that no conclusions can be drawn from this study for the scientific substantiation of the claim owing to important methodological limitations. The other two studies were conducted in lactating women with infectious mastitis and, therefore, the effect of the intervention on the incidence of infectious mastitis cannot be assessed. The Panel concludes that a cause and effect relationship has not been established between the consumption of Lactobacillus fermentum CECT 5716 and a reduction of the Staphylococcus load in breast milk which reduces the risk of infectious mastitis.