EFSA, Claims and Supplements
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What EFSA is: The homepage of the EFSA (European Food Safety Authority) website features the words: “Food is essential to life. EFSA’s scientific advice helps protect consumers, animals and the environment from food-related risks”.
EFSA is in fact a European agency set up in 2002 and funded by the European Union, which carries out scientific assessments of the risks associated with the food chain; in particular, it deals with:
- Food and feed safety
- Human nutrition
- Animal health and welfare
- Plant protection
- Plant health
EFSA made a fundamental contribution to the study and approval of the claims that may be used for food supplements, at the specific request of the European Commission in 2015.
This became necessary because of the considerable increase in food products whose labels state beneficial nutritional properties, such as “high in fibre”, “low in fat” or “strengthens the immune system”, which needed to be approved.
Food supplements certainly belong to this category of products, and EFSA’s contribution was decisive in regulating the statements shown on labels, by drawing up a list of claims (statements) approved after direct scientific studies, which guarantee their real effectiveness.
This contribution is important in helping consumers choose products, seeking to protect them from false statements or advertising designed only to boost sales.
However, a favourable opinion from EFSA is not always endorsed by the European Commission, which has the final say on the approval of each substance.
Below we look at some supplements analysed by EFSA and the approved claims .
CREATINE – EFSA
This is a summary of EFSA’s report on creatine and the approved claims .
What is creatine for?
The importance of creatine in physical activity was found to depend on the nature of the exercise. In particular, improvements were observed in sports performance requiring explosive, high-intensity activity with repetitions. Conversely, creatine does not appear to provide any benefit in aerobic (endurance) activities.
How should creatine be taken?
3 g of creatine per day is recommended.
Claims
Creatine increases physical performance in successive bursts of short-term, high-intensity exercise.
What are the main Volchem creatine-based supplements?
Creatyl, Creatyl 1000mg Tablet, Creatyl Drink and Creatyl Powder.
CAFFEINE – EFSA
This is a summary of EFSA’s report on caffeine and the approved claims .
What is caffeine for?
Taking caffeine before physical activity improved performance in aerobic (endurance) activities, confirming its ergogenic effects. In particular, a cause-and-effect relationship was observed between taking caffeine before activity and an increase in endurance and a reduction in perceived exertion.
How should caffeine be taken?
The ergogenic effects of caffeine, with improved performance, were observed with doses of around 3 mg / kg of body weight, taken before exercise.
Claims
None
What are the main Volchem supplements containing caffeine?
Ready 420 g, Ready 112 ml, Energen 30 ml.
PROTEIN – EFSA
This is a summary of EFSA’s report on protein and the approved claims.
What is protein for?
EFSA confirmed that protein intake supports muscle protein synthesis and the maintenance of lean mass.
How should protein be taken?
The recommended amount for adults is 0.83 g/ kg of body weight per day.
Claims
- Protein contributes to a growth in muscle mass
- Protein contributes to the maintenance of muscle mass
- Protein contributes to the maintenance of normal bones
- Protein is needed for normal growth and development of bone in children
Mirabol, Promeal Soy Zone 403030, Promeal Protein, Promeal Protein Crunch, Promeal Zone 403030, Promeal.
CARBOHYDRATES AND ELECTROLYTES – EFSA
This is a summary of EFSA’s report on carbohydrates and electrolytes and the approved claims.
What are carbohydrates and electrolytes for?
EFSA confirmed that, compared with water, the intake of carbohydrates and electrolytes (sodium in particular) contributes to the maintenance of physical performance, especially during prolonged exertion. Carbohydrate-electrolyte drinks help maintain the body’s electrolyte balance and performance in aerobic (endurance) activities. Sodium promotes the absorption of carbohydrates and water in the small intestine.
How should carbohydrates and electrolytes be taken?
The amount and concentration of the drinks vary according to several factors (weather conditions, exercise intensity, osmolality, type of carbohydrates used). The recommended carbohydrate range is 80-350 kcal (335-1470 kJ) / 1000 ml in carbohydrate-electrolyte drinks. The sodium concentration identified is 20-50 mmol/l (460-1150 mg/l).
Claims
- Carbohydrate-electrolyte solutions enhance the absorption of water during physical exercise
- Carbohydrate-electrolyte solutions contribute to the maintenance of endurance performance during prolonged endurance exercise
Isodrink, Mineral KCMg, Maltovis, Energen 125 ml.
CARBOHYDRATES – EFSA
This is a summary of EFSA’s report on carbohydrates and the approved claims.
What are carbohydrates for?
EFSA confirmed the fundamental role of carbohydrates, particularly in relation to recovery after intense and prolonged physical activity. Glycogen is stored in the muscles and used as a source of energy.
How should carbohydrates be taken?
Exercise depletes glycogen stores, so glycaemic carbohydrates are recommended in the first few hours after physical activity to replenish energy stores and obtain a real benefit. The recommended dose is 4 g per kg of body weight in the first 4-6 hours.
Claims
- Carbohydrates contribute to the maintenance of normal brain function
- Carbohydrates contribute to the recovery of normal muscle function (contraction) after highly intensive and/or long-lasting physical exercise leading to muscle fatigue and the depletion of glycogen stores in skeletal muscle.
Maltovis, Energen 125 ml, Promeal Energy Crunch, Promeal Energy.
VITAMINS AND MINERALS – EFSA
This is a summary of EFSA’s report on vitamins and minerals and the approved claims.
What are vitamins and minerals for?
EFSA confirmed the role of B vitamins in energy metabolism; the role of vitamins C and E in the body’s own defence of cells and molecules against oxidative damage; the role of minerals (potassium, magnesium and calcium) in muscle function (contraction); and the role of trace elements (e.g. calcium, iron, zinc) in the maintenance of immune function, macronutrient metabolism, energy production and the protection of cells and molecules against oxidative damage.
Claims
There are numerous claims on vitamins and minerals, which can be consulted directly on the EFSA website.
What are the main Volchem supplements containing vitamins and minerals?
Mivitop, Mineral KCMg, Ascocid, E-Plus, B-Plus, Magnesite.
For more information, see the website:
https://www.efsa.europa.eu/it
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