Scientific Opinion on the substantiation of health claims related to vitamin D and normal function of the immune system and inflammatory response (ID 154, 159), maintenance of normal muscle function (ID 155) and maintenance of normal cardiovascular function (ID 159) pursuant to Article 13(1) of Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006

Following a request from the European Commission, the Panel on Dietetic Products, Nutrition and Allergies was asked to provide a scientific opinion on a list of health claims pursuant to Article 13 of Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006. This opinion addresses the scientific substantiation of health claims in relation to vitamin D and normal function of the immune system and inflammatory response, maintenance of normal muscle function and maintenance of normal cardiovascular function. The scientific substantiation is based on the information provided by the Member States in the consolidated list of Article 13 health claims and references that EFSA has received from Member States or directly from stakeholders. The food constituent that is the subject of the health claims is vitamin D, which is a well recognised nutrient and is measurable in foods by established methods. The Panel considers that vitamin D is sufficiently characterised. The claimed effects are normal function of the immune system and inflammatory response, maintenance of normal muscle function and maintenance of normal cardiovascular function. The target population is assumed to be general population. The Panel concludes that a cause and effect relationship has been established between the dietary intake of vitamin D and contribution to the normal function of the immune system and healthy inflammatory response, and maintenance of normal muscle function. The Panel considers that, in order to bear the claims, a food should be at least a source of vitamin D as per Annex to Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006. Such amounts can be easily consumed as part of a balanced diet. On the basis of the data presented, the Panel concludes that a cause and effect relationship has not been established between the dietary intake of vitamin D and maintenance of normal cardiovascular function.