EFSA Issues Positive Opinion on “Vitamin D Reduces Falling” Claim

On the basis of the data presented, the Panel concludes that a cause and effect relationship has been established between the intake of vitamin D and a reduction in the risk of falling.

Oct 3 2011 --- The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has issued a positive opinion on DSM Nutritional Products application pursuant to Article 14 of the Nutrition and Health Claim Regulation on the use of Vitamin D to reduce the risk of falling and fractures.

On the basis of the data presented, the Panel concludes that a cause and effect relationship has been established between the intake of vitamin D and a reduction in the risk of falling.

The Panel considers that the following wording reflects the scientific evidence: “Vitamin D may reduce the risk of falling. Falling is a risk factor for bone fractures”.

In addition, the Panel considers that, in order to obtain the claimed effect, 800 I.U. (20 μg) of vitamin D from all sources should be consumed daily. The target population is men and women 60 years of age and older.

Will Black, Global Director of Marketing for DSM Nutritional Products in Switzerland commented that “EFSA’s validation of the vitamin D health claim for falling and fractures is a validation of the hard work of DSM Science and Regulatory teams to provide our customers with the additional substantiated health claims that are relevant and highly valued by consumers. DSM is very proud to have achieved this milestone in health claims for human nutrition and to aid in the reduction of falling and fractures in the elderly population.”