Scientific Opinion on the substantiation of a health claim related to vitamin D and contribution to the normal function of the immune system pursuant to Article 14 of Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006
Carlo Agostoni, Roberto Berni Canani, Susan Fairweather-Tait, Marina Heinonen, Hannu Korhonen, La Sébastien, Rosangela Vieille, Ambroise Marchelli, Androniki Martin, Monika Naska, Grażyna Neuhäuser-Berthold, Yolanda Nowicka, Alfonso Sanz, Anders Siani, Martin Sjödin, Sean Stern, J J ) Strain, Inge Tetens, Daniel Tomé, Dominique Turck, Jean-Louis Bresson, Ambroise Martin, Hildegard Przyrembel, Yolanda Sanz
EFSA Journal, doi:10.2903/j.efsa.2015.4096
Following an application from VAB-nutrition, 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 D and contribution to the normal function of the immune system. The Panel considers that vitamin D is sufficiently characterised. Contribution to the normal function of the immune system is a beneficial physiological effect for children. The Panel had previously assessed a claim on vitamin D and contribution to the normal function of the immune system with a favourable outcome. The target population was the general population. The Panel considered that vitamin D plays a regulatory role in the functioning of the immune system. The Panel considers that the role of vitamin D in the functioning of the immune system applies to all ages, including children. The Panel concludes that a cause and effect relationship has been established between the dietary intake of vitamin D and contribution to the normal function of the immune system. The following wording reflects the scientific evidence: "Vitamin D contributes to the normal function of the immune system". The target population is children from 3 to 18 years of age.
