Scientific Opinion on the substantiation of a health claim related to thiamine and carbohydrate and energy-yielding metabolism pursuant to Article 14 of Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006

Following an application from IDACE 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 thiamine and carbohydrate and energy-yielding metabolism. Thiamine is a well recognised nutrient and is measurable in foods by established methods. Thiamine is considered to be characterised. Normal carbohydrate and energy-yielding metabolism is considered to be a beneficial physiological effect. Four opinions of authoritative/scientific bodies and two review papers were identified by the applicant as being pertinent to the health claim, of which one review did not address the role of thiamine in carbohydrate and energy-yielding metabolism. It is well recognised, that thiamine pyrophosphate, the active form of thiamine, is a cofactor of several enzymes involved in energy-yielding, branched-chain amino acid and carbohydrate metabolism. The Panel concludes that a cause and effect relationship has been established between the dietary intake of thiamine and normal carbohydrate and energy-yielding metabolism. The following wording reflects the scientific evidence: “Thiamine contributes to normal carbohydrate and energy-yielding metabolism.” The target population is infants and children up to 18 years. © European Food Safety Authority, 2010.