EFSA backs sugars for recovery; vitamin B for energy

But its Panel on Dietetic Products, Nutrition and Allergies (NDA) rejected vegetable blends for cholesterol and antioxidant management.

Vitamin B​

The NDA said vitamin B forms pantothenic acid​ (B5) and riboflavin​ (B2) could contribute to, “normal energy-yielding metabolism”.​

The article 14 claims apply to all ages and were submitted by Specialised Nutrition Europe (formerly IDACE) under article 14 of the EU nutrition and health claims regulation (NHCR).

They add to previously approved vitamin B claims such as:

• Contributes to normal functioning of the nervous system (B1, B2, B3, B6, B12)

• Contributes to normal mental/ psychological function (B1, B3, B5, B6, B9, B12)

• Contributes to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue (B2, B3, B5, B6, B9, B12)

Glycaemic carbohydrates​

The NDA affirmed an article 13.5 submission from French sports nutrition firm Aptonia linking, “glycaemic carbohydrates and recovery of normal muscle function (contraction) after strenuous exercise.​”​

It noted the, “well-established role of glycaemic carbohydrates (consumed especially in the first hours following strenuous exercise) on the replenishment of skeletal muscle glycogen stores, which leads to the recovery of normal skeletal muscle function (contraction)…”​

That opinion is here​.

Vegetable blends​

The NDA refused four 13.5 submissions from Italian food maker Italsur for various vegetable blends and cholesterol and antioxidant benefits.

These included:

• Red spinach, green spinach, red chicory, green chicory, green leaf chard, red leaf chard, red Swiss chard, golden Swiss chard and white Swiss chard and protection of blood lipids from oxidative damage. Here​.
• Tuscan black cabbage, “tri-coloured” Swiss chard, “bi-coloured” spinach and “blu savoy” cabbage ​and maintenance of normal blood LDL-cholesterol concentration. Here​.
• Tuscan black cabbage, “tri-coloured” Swiss chard, “bi-coloured” spinach and “blu savoy” cabbage ​and ​protection of blood lipids from oxidative damage. Here​.
• Red spinach, green spinach, red chicory, green chicory, green leaf chard, red leaf chard, red Swiss chard, golden Swiss chard and white Swiss chard and maintenance of normal blood LDL-cholesterol concentration. Here​.