Animal protein and bone growth - Scientific substantiation of a health claim related to animal protein and bone growth pursuant to Article 14 of Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006[1] - Scientific Opinion of the Panel on Dietetic Products, Nutrition and Allergies
Jean-Louis Bresson, Albert Flynn, Marina Heinonen, Karin Hulshof, Hannu Korhonen, Pagona
Lagiou, Martinus Løvik, Rosangela Marchelli, Ambroise Martin, Bevan Moseley, Andreu
Palou, Hildegard Przyrembel, Seppo Salminen, Sean (J.J.) Strain, Stephan Strobel, Inge Tetens,
Henk van den Berg, Hendrik van Loveren and Hans Verhagen.
Acknowledgment
The European Food Safety Authority wishes to thank the members of the Working Group for
the preparation of this opinion: Jean-Louis Bresson, Albert Flynn, Marina Heinonen, Hannu
Korhonen, Ambroise Martin, Andreu Palou, Hildegard Przyrembel, Seppo Salminen, Sean
(J.J.) Strain, Inge Tetens, Henk van den Berg, Hendrik van Loveren and Hans Verhagen.
No abstract available
Following an application from the Association de la Transformation Laitière Française (ATLA) submitted pursuant to Article 14 of Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006 via the Competent Authority of France, the Panel on Dietetic Products, Nutrition and Allergies was asked to deliver an opinion on the scientific substantiation of a health claim related to proteins of animal origin and bone growth.
The scope of the application was proposed to fall under claims referring to children’s development and health.
The health claim relates to food products containing proteins of animal origin. The applicant has proposed that the claim shall apply to all foods providing at least 12% of their energy value as protein. It is not stated whether this minimum value concerns protein of animal origin only. The Panel considers that the constituent (animal protein) which is the subject of the claim is sufficiently characterised.
The claimed effect is “contributes to children’s bone growth”. The target population is children and adolescents between 3 and 18 years of age. The Panel considers that normal growth and development of bone is beneficial to children’s health.
The evidence provided by consensus opinions/reports from authoritative bodies and reviews shows that there is good consensus on the role of protein in growth and development of bone. It is well established that a source of protein is essential for allowing both growth and maintenance. Protein requirements of older infants, children and adolescents have recently been re-determined by the factorial method based on estimates of the maintenance requirements and the rates of protein deposition during periods of growth, corrected for interindividual variability and efficiency of utilisation. There is no evidence of benefit of additional protein above the amount found in otherwise nutritionally complete diets. No evidence of inadequate intakes of protein in European children has been provided. Provided that the requirements for total nitrogen and indispensable amino acids are fulfilled, there is no particular need for the consumption of animal protein for normal growth and development of bone.
Seven observational studies have been presented, investigating the relationship between protein consumption and bone mass assessed as bone mineral density (BMD), bone mineral content (BMC) or bone area (BA). Six observational studies in children and adolescents between 6 and 18 years of age show a positive association between dietary protein intake and markers of bone status. While in some of these studies statistical correlations were calculated separately for protein of animal origin, a positive relationship to total protein was more apparent. One observational study in children demonstrates that bone growth and size are negatively affected by protein-calorie malnutrition.
The applicant also presents a non-controlled 7-d intervention in 28 pre-pubertal boys on the effects of a high protein intake on markers of bone formation and bone resorption. This study indicates that high protein intake may have an impact on bone turnover, but does not supply data in support of a specific effect of protein of animal origin compared to protein of plant origin.
On the basis of the data presented, the Panel concludes that a cause and effect relationship has been established between total protein intake and normal growth and development of bone in children. Recommended intakes of protein to meet the requirements for growth and development of children, including normal growth and development of bone, have been established. Adequate intakes of protein can be obtained from various sources, including from animal origin. Provided that the requirements for total nitrogen and indispensable amino acids are fulfilled, there is no particular need for the consumption of animal protein. No evidence of inadequate intakes of protein in European children has been provided.
protein, animal origin, plant origin, growth, bone growth, bone mineral density, bone mineral content
