Nutrient database can assist health claims
Typically, ingredients are grouped by nutrient form or health condition, and information collated about relevant scientific data and the regulatory status quo in different parts of the world.
French consultancy, NutraVeris, is one such firm that has about 2100 nutrients in a paid-for database containing scientific and regulatory information.
General manager, Cedric Bourges-Sevenier, said the development of the EU health claims process had seen greater demands placed on the database than ever before.
“There is so much uncertainty at the moment with the situation in Europe that we are fielding a lot of queries and much data drilling is going on,” he said. “We can save companies time and help them with their submissions because of the many ways the data we have compiled can we chopped up and accessed.”
NutraVeris has worked with many companies in compiling their health claim dossiers, and like the rest of industry, has been learning as the process has gone along and it has become apparent just what is required to win a health claim positive opinion from the European Food safety Authority (EFSA).
Nutraveris synthesises every EFSA health claim opinion which can be presented in a report or customers can compile their own information whilst inside the database.
Danish firm Bio2com is another firm that has a nutrient database it says will boast 500 nutrients by year’s end.
It charges between €1200 and €2200 per year depending on the depth of coverage, or customers can buy credits as part of a pay-as-you-go system.
Bio2com executive director Karin E. Nielsen said interest had been shown from major food makers, some of whom had participated in the development of the prototype.
Ingredient categories in the databases include botanicals, antioxidants, fibres, omega-3 fatty acids, phospholipids, stanols and sterols, vitamins, minerals and sugars.
Health areas range from weight management to gut health, heart health and immunity.
Other consultancies such as Cantox International and Brussels-based European Advisory Services offer similar services.
