DHA and EPA Staged for EU Health Claims?

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA; Parma, Italy) has issued positive opinions for the omega-3 fatty acids docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), according to reports from DSM Nutritional Products (Parsippany, NJ), which provided some of the supporting science.

Health claims submitted through EU member states led to the following variety of positive opinions which could ultimately become authorized health claims in the EU:

• DHA contributes to the maintenance of normal blood triglyceride levels (2 grams)

• EPA and DHA contribute to the maintenance of normal blood triglyceride levels (2 grams)

• DHA contributes to the maintenance of normal brain function (250 mg)

• DHA contributes to the maintenance of normal vision (250 mg)

• EPA and DHA contribute to the normal function of the heart  (250 mg)

DSM expects the European Commission to approve health claims for DHA and EPA based on the positive opinions, the company stated.

DHA is receiving greater attention due to recent science suggesting a variety of health benefits from the nutrient and a weak conversion rate of alpha linolenic acid (ALA) omega-3 to DHA.

To read DSM’s coverage of the news, click here.