EFSA Panel on Dietetic Products, Nutrition and Allergies (NDA); Scientific Opinion on the substantiation of a health claim related to EffEXT™ and “helps to support joint function by maintaining low levels of plasma C-reactive protein” pursuant to Article 13(5) of Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006 : EffEXT™ and “helps to support joint function by maintaining low levels of plasma C reactive protein”

Following an application from Nutrilinks Sarl, submitted pursuant to Article 13(5) of Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006 via the Competent Authority of Belgium, the Panel on Dietetic Products, Nutrition and Allergies (NDA) was asked to deliver an opinion on the scientific substantiation of a health claim related to EffEXT™ and “helps to support joint function by maintaining low levels of plasma C‑reactive protein”.

The Panel considers that EffEXT™, which is standardised pure krill oil, is sufficiently characterised. The claimed effect is “helps to support joint function by maintaining low levels of plasma C-reactive protein”. The Panel notes that the claim refers to a reduction of inflammation indicated by a lowered concentration of plasma C-reactive protein.

Whether or not reduction of inflammatory markers is considered beneficial depends on the context in which a claim is made. In the context of the study provided, the Panel notes that the claim refers to diseases such as osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis, in which a reduction of inflammation would be a therapeutic target for the treatment of the disease.

The Panel considers that the reduction of inflammation in the context of diseases such as osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis is a therapeutic target for the treatment of the disease and does not comply with the criteria laid down in Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006.