Scientific Opinion in relation to the authorisation procedure for health claims on calcium and vitamin D and the reduction of the risk of osteoporotic fractures by reducing bone loss pursuant to Article 14 of Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006

Following a request from the European Commission, the Panel on Dietetic Products, Nutrition and Allergies was asked to deliver a scientific opinion in relation to the authorisation procedure for health claims on calcium and vitamin D and the reduction of the risk of osteoporotic fractures by reducing bone loss pursuant to Article 14 of Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006. A cause and effect relationship was established between the intake of calcium, either alone or in combination with vitamin D, and reducing the loss of BMD, which may contribute to a reduction in the risk of bone fracture. This relationship implies that the critical nutrient in relation to the claimed effect is calcium. The Panel proposes that at least 1200 mg of calcium from all sources or at least 1200 mg of calcium and 800 I.U. of vitamin D from all sources to be consumed daily should be considered for the purpose of setting conditions of use for a risk reduction claim on the loss of BMD, which may contribute to a reduction in the risk of bone fracture. The target population is women 50 years and older. Tolerable Upper Intake Levels (UL) have been established for calcium and vitamin D in adults.