FHI LFC24, a bovine milk‐derived casein hydrolysate, and a reduction of post‐prandial blood glucose responses: evaluation of a health claim pursuant to Article 13(5) of Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006

Abstract

Abstract Following an application from Food for Health Ireland (FHI), submitted for authorisation of a health claim pursuant to Article 13(5) of Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006 via the Competent Authority of Ireland, the EFSA Panel on Dietetic Products, Nutrition and Allergies (NDA) was asked to deliver an opinion on the scientific substantiation of a health claim related to FHI LFC24, a bovine milk‐derived casein hydrolysate, and a reduction of post‐prandial blood glucose responses. The food, FHI LFC24, which is the subject of the health claim, is sufficiently characterised. The claimed effect proposed by the applicant is that FHI LFC24, when co‐ingested with carbohydrates, reduces post‐prandial blood glucose responses. The target population proposed by the applicant is the healthy adult population. In view of the proposed mechanism by which the food would exert the claimed effect, i.e. ‘by increased post‐prandial insulin secretion’, the applicant was requested to provide evidence that a reduction of post‐prandial blood glucose responses achieved by an increase in insulin secretion is a beneficial physiological effect for the target population, i.e. the healthy adult population. The evidence provided by the applicant did not establish that a reduction in post‐prandial glycaemic responses achieved by an increase in insulin secretion is a beneficial physiological effect for the target population. The Panel considers that a cause and effect relationship has not been established between the consumption of the food, FHI LFC24, and a beneficial physiological effect for the target population.

Keywords

• FHI LFC24
• post‐prandial blood glucose
• insulin
• health claims