Scientific Opinion on the substantiation of health claims related to guar gum and maintenance of normal blood glucose concentrations (ID 794), increase in satiety (ID 795) and maintenance of normal blood cholesterol concentrations (ID 808) pursuant to Article 13(1) of Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006
Carlo Agostoni, Jean-Louis Bresson, Susan Fairweather-Tait, Albert Flynn, Ines Golly, Hannu Korhonen, Pagona Lagiou, Martinus Løvik, Rosangela Marchelli, Ambroise Martin, Bevan Moseley, Monika Neuhäuser-Berthold, Hildegard Przyrembel, Seppo Salminen, Yolanda Sanz, Sean (J.J.) Strain, Stephan Strobel, Inge Tetens, Daniel Tomé, Hendrik van Loveren, and Hans Verhagen.
Acknowledgment
The Panel wishes to thank for the preparation of this opinion: The members of the Working Group on Claims: Carlo Agostoni, Jean-Louis Bresson, Susan Fairweather-Tait, Albert Flynn, Ines Golly, Marina Heinonen, Hannu Korhonen, Martinus Løvik, Ambroise Martin, Hildegard Przyrembel, Seppo Salminen, Yolanda Sanz, Sean (J.J.) Strain, Inge Tetens, Hendrik van Loveren and Hans Verhagen. The members of the Claims Sub-Working Group on Weight Management/Satiety/Glucose and Insulin Control/Physical Performance are: Kees de Graaf, Joanne Harrold, Mette Hansen, Mette Kristensen, Anders Sjödin and Inge Tetens. The members of the Claims Sub-Working Group on Cardiovascular Health/Oxidative Stress: Antti Aro, Marianne Geleijnse, Marina Heinonen, Ambroise Martin, Wilhelm Stahl and Henk van den Berg.
Contact
nda@efsa.europa.eu
No abstract available
Following a request from the European Commission, the Panel on Dietetic Products, Nutrition and Allergies was asked to provide a scientific opinion on a list of health claims pursuant to Article 13 of Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006. This opinion addresses the scientific substantiation of health claims in relation to guar gum and maintenance of normal blood glucose concentrations, increase in satiety and maintenance of normal blood cholesterol concentrations. The scientific substantiation is based on the information provided by the Member States in the consolidated list of Article 13 health claims and references that EFSA has received from Member States or directly from stakeholders.
The food constituent that is the subject of the health claims is guar gum. The Panel considers that guar gum is sufficiently characterised.
Maintenance of normal blood glucose concentrations
The claimed effect is “impact on blood glucose/glycaemic control/glycaemic response”. The target population is assumed to be the general population. In the context of the proposed wordings, the Panel assumes that the claimed effect refers to long-term maintenance or achievement of normal blood glucose concentrations. The Panel considers that long-term maintenance of normal blood glucose concentrations is a beneficial physiological effect.
In weighing the evidence, the Panel took into account that the only study presented investigated long-term effects of guar gum on fasting blood glucose and glycated haemoglobin, the latter being an appropriate measure to assess long-term blood glucose control, and found no effect of guar gum consumption at doses eight times higher than proposed in the conditions of use.
On the basis of the data presented, the Panel concludes that a cause and effect relationship has not been established between the consumption of guar gum and long-term maintenance of normal blood glucose concentrations.
Increase in satiety
The claimed effect is “satiety”. The target population is assumed to be individuals who need to control their energy intake. In the context of this opinion, satiety is interpreted as the decrease in the motivation to eat after consumption of food leading to a reduction in energy intake. The Panel considers that an increase in satiety might be a beneficial physiological effect.
In weighing the evidence, the Panel took into account that no controlled studies assessing the effects of guar gum consumption on appetite ratings and subsequent energy intake have been presented.
On the basis of the data presented, the Panel concludes that a cause and effect relationship has not been established between the consumption of guar gum and increased satiety.
Maintenance of normal blood cholesterol concentrations
The claimed effect is “cholesterol maintenance”. The target population is assumed to be the general population. In the context of the proposed wordings, the Panel notes that the claimed effect refers to maintenance of normal blood cholesterol concentrations. The Panel considers that maintenance of normal blood cholesterol concentrations is a beneficial physiological effect.
On the basis of the data presented, the Panel concludes that a cause and effect relationship has been established between the consumption of guar gum and the reduction of blood cholesterol concentrations.
In order to bear a claim, foods should provide at least 10 g per day of guar gum in one or more servings. The target population is adults.
Guar gum, blood glucose, satiety, cholesterol, health claims
